Government Encourages More Businesses to Apply for the Safety Seal Certification Program
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior Local Government (DILG), Department of Tourism (DOT), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) released supplemental guidelines to encourage more businesses to apply for the Safety Seal Certification Program and to strengthen health safety protocols in establishments and workplaces.
The Safety Seal Certification Program is a free voluntary certification scheme affirming that an establishment or public transportation unit is compliant with the minimum public health standards set by the government and is using or its contact tracing is integrated with StaySafe.ph. Under the supplemental guidelines, establishments granted with the Safety Seal are allowed an increase of 10 percentage points in operational or venue capacity, subject to compliance with requirements, such as physical distancing and air quality.
To qualify for the Safety Seal certification, there must be proof of compliance with registration or accreditation requirements (e.g., Mayor’s permit, DTI/SEC registration, or DOT accreditation). The establishment must also be using StaySafe.ph or any contact tracing tool integrated with the same and must show that minimum public health standards are enforced. This includes, but is not limited to, putting up of screening area at different points-of-entry where temperature check is performed and individuals who enter the premises are asked to register with StaySafe.ph, setting up handwashing stations, observing physical distancing, mandating the wearing of facemasks and face shields, designating a Safety Officer, and the like.
Depending on the type of business or establishment, the Safety Seal may be issued by the DOT, DOLE, DTI, DILG/PNP or the LGU. To apply, the owner or authorized representative of the business establishment may secure from the office or website of the Issuing Authority the appropriate checklist and perform self-assessment. After favorable self-assessment, the owner or authorized representative may contact the Issuing Authority to schedule an inspection. If the inspection team finds that the business establishment is compliant with the rules, the owner or authorized representative will be informed on how the Safety Seal sticker will be provided.
The seal shall be displayed conspicuously at all entrance points according to prescribed dimensions. The Safety Seal shall be valid for six (6) months from the date of issuance, except for those issued to tourism enterprises which shall be valid for one (1) year. This is renewable subject to continued compliance with the eligibility requirements set forth herein.
For more information about the program, you may watch the Safety Seal explainer video here or read the implementing guidelines here.