By Alithea De Jesus
Despite varying levels of community quarantine in the Philippines’ center of economic activities, the DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) revealed that that 94.7 percent of the business firms and establishments in the National Capital Region (NCR) strictlyt comply with the government mandated Minimum Health Protocols (MHP).
In response to the recent reverting of NCR and its nearby provinces from General Community Quarantine (GCQ) to Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and because of the rising COVID-19 cases in the stated area coverage, the DTI-FTEB continued its intensified monitoring activities on compliance with health protocols in Metro Manila.
Out of the one thousand seventy-seven (1,077) inspected business establishments in the NCR; nine hundred thirty-one (931) were found to be compliant to the MHP. Meanwhile, one hundred forty-six (146) Requests for Corrective Action (RCAs) were issued to non-compliant business establishments; eighty-nine (89) of which complied within the prescribed time, forty-six (46) were endorsed to Local Government Units (LGUs) for further action and investigation, and eleven (11) are awaiting corrective actions.
The non-conforming establishments were found to be lacking the mandatory contact tracing and/or health declaration forms and thermal scanner upon entry; some of the firm’s personnel were not properly wearing their face masks and face shields while on duty; and several customers were not following at least one-meter physical distancing.
“By protecting our workers, our customers, and ourselves from the virus, we are also protecting and restoring our economy consciously,” said Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo of Consumer Protection Group (CPG).
Usec. Castelo added that as the pandemic continues to have a significant disruptive effect in the economy and its people, a minor lapse such as non-compliance with health protocols could greatly contribute to the negative impact of the health turmoil on the country.
“We are urging the businesses to comply with the minimum health standards and other health control measures to combat coronavirus with increased awareness of hygiene, safety, and protection,” DTI – FTEB Director Abrenica emphasized.
Even under a stricter quarantine directives, the DTI-FTEB front liners from Surveillance and Monitoring Division (SMD), Product Standards Monitoring Division (PSMD), and Enforcement Division (ED) assure to continually do the inspection of NCR firms and establishments on compliance to MHP to help fight the war against COVID-19.
To report business establishments that are not following the government directive on health protocols, call the 1-DTI (1-384) Hotline or send an email to consumercare@dti.gov.ph.
