In its commitment to promoting compliance with occupational safety and health standards at the workplace as mandated by Republic Act 11058, the Department of Labor and Employment in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) commenced its rollout of Emergency First Aid Training and Basic Life Support as part of the convergence activities in the implementation of the Technical Advisory Visit (TAV) Program.
For the province of Camarines Norte, there were about 336 out of 690 micro-establishments found to have compliance gaps particularly the absence of duly trained First Aiders at their respective workplaces.
Prior to this convergence program, micro establishments borne the training cost for First Aid training with the PRC, but with the advent of this convergence program, DOLE now shoulders the cost of the training in the amount of at least P1,500 per head.
During an initial meeting last September 2023, DOLE and PRC both agreed on the schedule of trainings which shall run for the period of October 16 until November 23, 2023 covering the municipalities of Daet, Labo, Jose Panganiban, Paracale, Capalonga and Sta. Elena.
On the first set of trainings conducted from October 16, 17, 19-20, 2023, at least 88 have successfully completed the First Aid Training. Attendees were mostly representatives from the management sector of covered micro establishments operating in the municipalities of Paracale and Daet.
During the conduct of the Basic First Aid Training Program, participants were provided lectures on the topics on Injury/Illness identification and response, administering CPR, First Aid Responder protection and treatment option to include bandaging and wound cleansing and closure.
The highlight of this training was to assess the acquired knowledge and practical skills of the participants through workshop and written examination. Participants performed practical skills such as bandaging, CPR, lifting and moving.
Based on the results of the assessment, eighty-eight (88) participants have successfully completed the 8-hour mandatory training. They have received certificates of proficiency issued by the PRC with a validity period of up to 2 years.
In her opening message, Ms. Cherry B. Mosatalla, emphasized the importance of promoting the culture of safety and health in the workplace as provided under the law. She has shared that recent developments are underway to help our micro establishments not only to survive but to grow and sustain their businesses while protecting and promoting the welfare of their workers.
Citing his takeaways on the training participated, Mr. Rez Catle, manager of Frias Farm and Resort in the municipality of Paracale, shared that he fully appreciates the efforts of the government in particular that of the mandate of the Department of Labor and Employment on the promotion of safety and health in the workplace. “Napakagandang pagkakataon po itong makasama sa pagsasanay ng DOLE na mabigyan kami ng kaalaman at kasanayan sa First Aid at Basic Life Support. Higit kung naunawaan ang kahalagahan at kapakinabangan nito sa aming kalusugan at kaligtasan sa loob ng aming pinagtatrabahunan.”
Further, Mr. Ferdinand Ferrer, Chapter Administrator of the Philippine Red Cross – Camarines Norte commented, “We are grateful to this partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment in the promotion of safety and health among business community which resulted to increased awareness and compliance.”
Meanwhile, other support assistance was provided by the Public Employment Service Offices of concerned local government units in terms of logistics which helped in successfully obtaining the expected number of participants to this training.
Source: Press Release DOLE Bicol