BUSINESS establishments in Iloilo City have been encouraged to apply for a Safety Seal, a certification of compliance to minimum public health standards set by the government for the protection of both consumers and personnel.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said this is to help boost the local economy greatly affected by the pandemic.

“If establishments have a Safety Seal, customers can assure of a safe visit and everyone will be protected,” he said.

The mayor is bent on having business establishments allowed to operate under modified enhanced community quarantine to apply for Safety Seal.

He also wants spas, fitness centers or gyms and personal care services to apply in case his appeal that they be allowed to operate gets approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

“We hope for everyone to have Safety Seals, and for the personnel to be fully vaccinated including clients who will avail of their services,” Treñas said.

Business Permits and Licensing Division (BPLD) chief Norman Tabud said they have issued 43 Safety Seals to date; 106 inspected and approved for Safety Seal Certification; and 63 pending for QR code generation.

To request for Safety Seal, business owners should email bplo.safetyseal2021@gmail.com. A checklist will be sent for them to accomplish.

Once complied, the validation team composed of BPLD, City Health Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, City Compliance Team, and Philippine National Police will schedule an inspection to the establishment.

If found compliant, they will be approved for issuance of Safety Seal.

“The Safety Seal is valid for six months only, then they have to renew their application. But this is voluntary,” said Tabud.

Executive Order 60 Series of 2021 created the Iloilo City Safety Seal Certification Program Inspection and Certification Committee with the BPLD as head of the Inspection Team and secretariat.

Under the program, BPLD is in-charge of inspecting business establishments, Department of the Interior and Local Government for government agencies and offices, and Department of Trade and Industry for supermarkets and grocery stores. (PR)