DAVAO CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region has already monitored a total of 830 establishments relative to their compliance with the agency’s Memorandum Circular 20-44.
The said MC prescribes the recategorization of some business activities from Category IV to Category III. This means that certain businesses which were under category IV before could already operate subject to strict adoption of guidelines. However, it must be noted that the following activities are not still allowed to operate under any form of community quarantine:
- Holding of traditional cockfighting and operation of cockpits
- Beerhouses and similar establishments whose primary business is serving of alcoholic drinks
- Kid amusement industries
In the said MC, DTI is mandated to monitor the compliance of establishments, especially those who are already operating. The inspection is also focused on the adoption and implementation of minimum health protocols.
“We are monitoring various workplaces in the region weekly or as often as possible. Business establishments with partial compliance were advised to institute corrective measures,” DTI-11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said.
As of September 16, the provincial and field offices of DTI-11 have already visited 459 dine-in restaurants, 224 barber shops and salons, and 147 other establishments.
Of the total, 183 were in Davao Oriental, 182 in Davao City, 160 in Davao de Oro, 155 in Davao del Norte, 83 in Davao del Sur, and 67 in Davao Occidental.
“The activity of implementing and monitoring of workplaces’ compliance with the guidelines is a gauge that DTI helps in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 gearing towards economic recovery. It is our commitment to help business establishments operate effectively and efficiently under the new normal,” Ambi said.
For concerns and inquiries under DTI’s jurisdiction, Ambi encouraged the public to reach them through their official Facebook page, DTI Region 11.♦
Date of Release: 12 October 2020