The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Quezon City, Dasmariñas City, Cavite, and Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya topped the list of nine local government units (LGUs) that were recognized for their outstanding achievement in issuing Safety Seals to business establishments.
The three LGUs were cited during the Recognition of Best Performing Local Government Units in the Safety Seal Certification Program, VaxCertPH Program, and National Vaccination Day held last 22 March 2022 at the SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez commended these LGUs for their untiring efforts in implementing the Safety Seal Certification Program that was launched almost a year ago by DTI, Departments of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Health (DOH), Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Tourism (DOT) in compliance with Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) Resolution No. 87.
“LGUs cover the majority of establishments, and recognizing the best performing among them is our simple way of showing our deepest appreciation for all their efforts, particularly in advocating for the Safety Seal and in broadening its availment in the face of the difficulties considering it is only voluntary,” Sec. Lopez added.
However, Lopez said this recognition does not mean that the job of our LGUs and other agencies is over. “We are reminded that even though the Philippines is now under Alert Levels 1 and 2, and classified as low-risk, it is still important that we ensure continued compliance with minimum public health standards, and encourage our constituents to get vaccinated and be boosted. With everyone’s help and cooperation, let us hope that more will be added to the 63 million fully-vaccinated and 10 million boosted Filipinos.”
“I also want to thank our private sector partners for working with us in this initiative and for the vigilance in complying with health protocols to ensure the safety of their employees and their customers,” Secretary Lopez said, referring to the private sector’s immediate support especially for 3Cs establishments like food establishments, supermarkets, groceries, drug stores, and personal care establishments despite the Safety Seal being voluntary.
In this fight against the pandemic, said the trade chief added, “The country has proven that collective efforts among the government, the private sector, and the Filipino people are very important in the pursuit of recovery and in ensuring that Filipino lives and livelihoods are protected. While we hope for the complete easing of restrictions, we need to ensure that it is safe for people to go out. I believe we can achieve this the soonest if we continue working together as one.”