Strict enforcement of health protocols ordered in ports

MANILA: Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Santiago has ordered all staff, offices, and ports under the agency's jurisdiction to strictly observe and implement health and safety protocols to help control the spread of COVID-19.

In a memorandum issued yesterday, March 15, GM Santiago directed all the Head Office Responsibility Center and Port Management Office heads to be persistent in their enforcement of health and safety protocols.

He stated, “As part of PPA’s continuing efforts to stem the transmission of COVID-19 virus and to protect the health and safety of PPA personnel, port users, and the general public, you are directed to consistently and strictly observe, monitor, and implement in your respective area of responsibility the relevant health and safety protocols contained in PPA issuances, as well guidelines issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Health (DOH).”

The memorandum was released after DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade and GM Santiago conducted a surprise inspection at the new cargo port in Boracay. Several port users were seen breaching health protocols, including wearing of masks and face shields and social distancing. Secretary Tugade and GM Santiago then mandated all PPA personnel to strictly keep an eye on port users to ensure that the health protocols are consistently followed.

PPA also issued the “Seven Commandments in Public Transport” which must be observed in all ports and vessels nationwide. This includes wearing of face masks and face shields; body temperature check; proper ventilation of Passenger Terminal Buildings (PTBs) and offices; regular disinfection of PTBs and PPA offices; frequent handwashing and use of alcohol and sanitizers, prohibiting PPA personnel, passenger and port-users with COVID-19 symptoms from entering the port, PTBs, and PPA offices; and proper observance of physical distancing.

The DOTr and PPA have reinforced the implementation of existing health and safety protocols due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country.

Secretary Tugade urged all transport personnel to be extra diligent and attentive in the enforcement of health and safety measures. He also requested the public to strictly follow the protocols and report any case of violation to the authorities.

He said, “As operators and drivers of public transport vehicles, you do not only bring passengers from their homes to their workplaces and back. You are also given the responsibility to make sure that they are healthy and safe when they arrive at their destinations.”

Photos from Department of Transportation

Also read: DOTr ramps up COVID-19 mitigation through strict health protocols in public transport sector