MATI CITY, DAVAO ORIENTAL- With the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the past weeks, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here has intensified its promotion of the minimum health protocols to ensure that the province will continuously protect its area of jurisdiction. 

DTI-Davao Oriental OIC-Provincial Director Sylvia D. Ordiz said that with the huge leap in the recorded cases nationwide, there is a need to ensure that all establishments strictly comply with the mandated health protocols by the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).  

“One of the many places that people go to are retail establishments, such as grocery and hardware stores, restaurants and other food establishments, service providers like barbershops, salons, pawnshops and remittance centers. There are also those who frequent tourism-related establishments, such as hotels and beach resorts. By being part of the localized task force, we actively monitor these public places,” she said.  

As of March this year, DTI-Davao Oriental has already conducted a Post-Audit Assessment and Monitoring in 73 establishments all over the province. This was part of their initiative to make sure that the health protocols are being implemented; thus, ensuring the safety of both employees and customers. These mandatory guidelines include the proper wearing of face masks (plus face shields, when necessary), frequent and proper disinfection, and appropriate physical distancing, among others.  

Of the 73 establishments monitored, 60 or 82% have been found compliant with the health protocols, while 13 or 18% were non-compliant.  

Ordiz explained that the non-compliant establishments will be revisited and if during this follow-up visit they are still violating the health protocols, they shall be endorsed to the local government unit (LGU) for the administration of appropriate sanction. ♦

Date of Release: 30 April 2021