ZAMBOANGA CITY – As soon as the Local Government of Zamboanga City announced the lifting of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and to observe General Community Quarantine (GCQ), the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 9 opened to accept clients under the new normal beginning May 18, 2020.

Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo said that DOLE 9 is currently adopting a modified transaction arrangement for all its clients during the General Community Quarantine period per DOLE 9 COVID-19 Policy Prevention and Control in the Workplace and DOLE Administrative Order No. 117 series of 2020.

“We are very pro-active in our approach in ensuring that our clients and frontliners alike are protected from the threats of COVID-19,” she said.

DOLE 9 imposes strict protocols upon entry of clients in its premises. This includes implementation of the “No Mask, No Entry” policy, mandatory check of body temperature using non-contact thermal scanners, accomplishment of Health Checklist, use of foot bath and observance of one (1) meter social distancing. The Operations area where transactions are done, is enclosed with plastic barriers and is well-ventilated.

Protocols are displayed in conspicuous areas so that clients are guided.

The office provided personal protective equipment (PPE) to each front-liner reporting for duty under DOLE’s skeleton workforce such as face shields, face masks and hand gloves. Ample supply of alcohol is also provided.

Director Domingo advises clients to follow the protocols in place when visiting the office:

“These measures are not only being implemented in Zamboanga City Field Office but in all field offices under Zamboanga Peninsula. We also encourage our clients to visit our portal thru www.dole9portal.com, they may find it convenient to access our programs and services online without the need to go to our offices and thereby minimizing risk to exposure to the virus.”

END/kcgrafia