THE Iloilo provincial government is the first provincial local government unit (LGU) in Western Visayas that has been granted the Safety Seal certificate by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The Safety Seal given to the Iloilo provincial government means that it is compliant with the minimum public health standards and protocols to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The DILG provincial inspection and validation team led by provincial director Teodora Sumagaysay conducted an ocular inspection of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol premises on Friday, August 13, 2021, to confirm the result of the remote pre-assessment it conducted two days earlier.
Sumagaysay said the Iloilo provincial government passed all the items listed in the Safety Seal certification checklist.
She lauded the initiatives implemented by the Iloilo provincial government to protect not only its employees but also its clientele.
Provincial Administrator lawyer Suzette Mamon received the Safety Seal certificate on behalf of Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. who is on home quarantine after his security escort got infected with Covid-19.
Mamon cited the Provincial Health Office (PHO) led by Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon, the Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO) led by Alma Ravena and all the other department heads for their hard work which led to this achievement.
Mamon assured the DILG team that the Iloilo provincial government will sustain all the initiatives to ensure a safe working environment for its employees and visitors amid this pandemic.
To note, Defensor has issued various executive orders and memoranda to ensure that the Capitol has a safe working environment.
The provincial government is implementing a quick response (QR) code as a contact tracing tool for Capitol employees and clients. Those with smartphones can use the QR code upon entering the Capitol.
A health declaration sheet is made available for those with no smartphones and in case of internet problems and power interruption.
Walk-through temperature scanners and a triage area with medical equipment are stationed at the main entrance to assess clients and visitors. An isolation area is also available for identified symptomatic employees.
Handwashing stations are available complete with soap, sanitizers and hand drying equipment.
Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams and other Covid-19 emergency hotlines are placed in conspicuous areas, including contact numbers of LGUs.
Physical barriers are installed in offices and enclosed areas to maintain social distancing. Floor markers, footprints and stickers are visible on all floors.
Offices keep their windows regularly open to maintain proper ventilation. Some have purchased air purifiers to remove air contaminants. Regular cleaning and disinfection are also being done by every office.
Employees strictly follow the wearing of facemasks and face shields.
Capitol has also established a referral system for medical and psychosocial services. Each office has a designated Safety Officer for contact tracing and monitoring of the status of employees.
Capitol also implements proper collection, treatment, and disposal of used face masks and other infectious wastes. (PR)