JAO to promote workers’ safety

Different government agencies hope to streamline safety monitoring at construction sites after setting the guidelines for a joint administrative order (JAO).

Spearheaded by the Construction Industry of the Philippines (CIAP), the signing of JAO No. 1, Series of 2022 are with Departments of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and Trade and Industry (DTI).

The JAO promotes the welfare of construction workers.  It updates JAO NO. 01 Series of 2011 with additional provisions related to public health emergencies.

“The guidelines outlined in the JAO ensure that the construction industry remains compliant with the prevailing safety and health standards, protecting workers from undue risks and hazards, “ the JAO read.

“This is particularly essential in terms of crises when the health and safety of our workforces become even more vulnerable,” it added.

DOLE Bureau of Working Conditions Director Alvin B. Curada said that the JAO aims to ensure that all construction companies are compliant with labor law, especially on occupational safety and health standards.

Curada pointed to the JAO which aims to help DOLE identify which projects to inspect after evaluating data from the various partner agencies.

“This JAO will help identify the projects that we need to prioritize because we, the agencies, have lists of registered establishments and ongoing projects. From there you an easily target which are the vertical construction projects where many of the accidents happen.” Curada said.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Chair of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), highlighted the strengthening partnership in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) during a donation handover by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on September 23, 2024, at the NDRRMC Alternate Government Command and Control Center (AGCCC) in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

Secretary Teodoro underscored the significance of this partnership, noting its evolution into a powerful and effective tool for enhancing resilience. 

“Resilience efforts are not only bilateral but multilateral. However, in the bilateral sense the evolution of the partnership into thematic areas are evolving, are more powerful and are growing,” said Sec. Teodoro. 

The donation, which consisted of essential non-food items such as shelter repair kits, kitchen sets, and tarpaulins, was received by Secretary Teodoro on behalf of the NDRRMC from US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson. 

“We want to thank the government of the United States, our United Nations partner for valuable and visible act rather than words. It is an act of good faith, a demonstration of good faith towards our partnership in saving lives and bringing a better future for the people not only in this country but of the Indo Pacific Region,” said Sec. Teodoro.

Ambassador Carlson reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting the Philippines and commended the country for its disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) efforts.

“The US government remains committed to supporting the Philippines as it builds national and local capacity to prepare for and respond to disasters. The tireless efforts of the Philippines response agencies from the barangays to the national level are truly an inspiration. We are very proud to be your partner.” Ambassador Carlson stated.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) facilitated the handover, which was attended by key officials including OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno and USAID Head of Mission Mr. Ben Hemingway.

Following the ceremony, a tour of the NDRRMC Alternate Government Command and Control Center was conducted, showcasing the facility’s capabilities in managing disaster response.