DOLE CALABARZON Regional Director Roy Buenafe said that the GKK aims to cultivate a culture of compliance with Occupational Safety and Health policies in workplaces by recognizing institutions and individuals who have successfully implemented workplace safety and health policies and programs.
“Let us inject a culture of compliance that we in the Department of Labor and Employment and the OHSC are always ready to provide our services to help the industry comply with [Occupational Health and Safety] standards,” Buenafe said.
Buenafe affirmed to the public, “We at the Department of Labor and Employment and the Occupational Safety and Health Center have always offered our services to help the industries comply with workplace safety standards. At the end of the day, this will benefit the workers because they are confident that they are safe and comfortable in their workplace.”
After overseeing the successful reopening of industries after a nearly two-year lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, OIC- Deputy Executive Director Connie Sto. Tomas, stated that the OHSC will prioritize providing technical assistance to micro and small industries over the next five (5) years to address occupational health and safety concerns in communities.
“We have encountered challenges in technologies like telecommuting and [the] work-from-home setup. Let’s not forget the challenges encountered by small businesses and micro industries. That’s why the DOLE is focusing on micro and small industries in providing technical assistance, training, and visits to establishments.”
Sto. Tomas added that the post-pandemic era presents an opportunity for the OHSC to concentrate on occupational health concerns and other emerging diseases.
“After the pandemic, this is the time to focus on the occupational health concerns of our workers, and of course, the emerging diseases. Although the Covid-19 pandemic has passed, there is still the threat of the virus.”
The GKK Regional Winners will receive cash prizes ranging from P30,000.00 for the industry sector, government institutions, micro-enterprises and the informal sector. The category is also open for individuals who can receive up to P20,000.00.
Meanwhile, Special Awardees will receive P10,000.00 for industries, government agencies, and micro enterprises. Individual winners will also receive the same amount. (PB/PIA4A)
