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SAN FERNANDO CITY, January 12, 2022 – The Department of Education Regional Office I (DepEd ROI) received a Safety Seal Certification from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) at San Fernando City, La Union on January 10, 2022.

Each functional division, section, and unit of the DepEd ROI underwent thorough evaluation and assessment before the issuance of the certification.

Personnel from the DILG, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted a separate inspection in all the regional office’s buildings to substantiate compliance as provided for by the implementing guidelines.

“The Safety Seal itself does not really assure safety in our workplace, but it is an important marker to earn the confidence of our client and our personnel in the office that we are striving to ensure safe health for everyone,” Regional Director Tolentino G. Aquino shared.

As stated in the DOLE-DOH-DILG-DOT-DTI joint memorandum circular no. 21-01 Series 2021,  the Safety Seal Certification Program (SSCP) affirms that an establishment has been found compliant with the minimum public health standards (MPHS) set by the government, including the adoption or integration with the StaySafe.ph in contact tracing application.

Enforcement of MPHS includes putting up of Screening or Triage area where employees submit health declaration and symptoms are assessed; observance of physical distancing; wearing of facemasks, face shields and other protective outer garments; disinfection protocol; availability of handwashing stations, soap and sanitizers, and hand drying equipment or supplies to employees and visitors; establishment of referral system for medical and psychosocial services; and designation of safety officer who will monitor the status of employees quarantined or isolated.

“Likewise, the Safety Seal will remind us all to prioritize safety in the work area at all times,” Director IV Aquino added after the Seal was ceremoniously posted in conspicuous places in all buildings of the regional office.

The display of Safety Seal was led by Local Government Operations Officer II Michael John F. Borja and Administrative Aide IV Roger Christian S. Macalino of DILG, San Fernando City and assisted by Regional Director Aquino and Assistant Regional Director Ronald B. Castillo.

Likewise, the undertaking was witnessed by Medical Officer IV, Dr. Romarie Joy S. Castillo; Dentist III, Dr. Marjorie G. Pudin; Nutritionist Dietitian Maricris A. Rimas; and Project Development Officer II, Jose Richie Perez of the Education Support Services Division.

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