(Image courtesy of safetyseal.dilg.gov.ph)
BACOLOD CITY – Some 52 business establishments here have passed the validation of the city’s inspection and certification team for the issuance of a safety seal, indicating compliance with minimum public health standards amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
A report of the city government as of Wednesday showed that the latest 28 stores received their certificates on September 30 and October 1, following the earlier recipients awarded in the previous months.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia said through this certification scheme of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), they can identify outright what establishments are health protocol-compliant so that people will be guided accordingly.
“While this is voluntary, we encourage as many to apply because this is good for business,” he added.
Permits and Licensing Office head Stela Rayos, who chairs the safety seal committee, said the inspection and certification team conducts online verification, calibration, and on-site validation of the applicant establishments.
The 52 were certified among the 237 stores that applied, but Rayos said the other companies, which have defects or deficiencies in their documents, can re-apply until they can fully comply with the requirements.
She added that only business establishments with valid mayor’s permits for 2021 are eligible to apply for a certificate of safety seal.
Those that have received the safety seal are mostly quick-service restaurants and other food establishments, clothing shops, and appliance stores.
The Safety Seal Certification Program under the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases Resolution 87 aims to increase compliance by private or public entities with the minimum public health standards set by the government, and seeks to encourage the adoption and use of the Stay Safe.ph digital contract tracing application as well as increase consumer confidence as the government safely reopens the economy.
The Safety Seal is a physical manifestation of the compliance of an establishment with the minimum health standards imposed by the government to contain the spread of Covid-19 and is to be displayed conspicuously at all entrances of establishments. (PNA)
