EMPLOYEES in all establishments will have to prepare working with their face shields on in their respective workplaces once the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) releases the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the mandatory wearing of face shields in workplaces.
In the One Davao on Covid-19 virtual presser on August 14, 2020, DOLE-Davao Director Ofelia Domingo admitted that she has not yet received the memorandum order from the central office regarding the mandatory wearing of face shields in workplaces but DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III has already mentioned this to her.
"I texted him (Secretary Bello) and told him 'Sir, ano na ba balita tungkol sa mandatory wearing of face shield, ang sabi niya is 'effective tomorrow (August 15), face shields will be mandatory', tomorrow yun ang effectivity," Domingo said.
She said this was the result of the meeting the DOLE secretary attended with the IATF on August 13.
Regarding penalties, Bello, according to Domingo, said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) can suspend operation of any companies violating the guidelines.
She said the information she relayed to the media Friday, August 14, during the virtual presser was real-time information as provided by DOLE secretary, adding that the order will be relayed through official issuance of memorandum of the guidelines.
Philippine Information Agency-Davao Director Frances Mae Macapagat, the moderator in the virtual presser, also said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez mentioned last Monday when he was in the city that the guidelines on the mandatory wearing of face masks in workplaces will be released soon.
Lopez, according to Macapagat, also mentioned that the IATF already has plans on workers wearing face shields in their working areas.
Meanwhile, when asked on who will shoulder the expenses of acquiring face shields for the employees, Domingo admitted that she has not asked Bello on this but she thinks it will be the employees.
Domingo guested in the virtual presser to announce the launching of DOLE-Davao's portal, where everyone can access. The DOLE-Davao's portal will assist all the employees and employers with their concern in a faster way.
Aside from that, all DOLE-related applications and requirements can also be downloaded through the portal.
Their portal can be accessed at http://dole11portal.org.ph.