The Department of Trade and Industry’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (DTI-FTEB) reported that a large majority, 94.24 percent, of Metro Manila business establishments monitored are compliant with the Minimum Public Health Standards (MPHS) set by the government to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

Out of the 5,267 inspected firms last year, 4,121 observe and follow the MPHS. Meanwhile, 1,146 Requests for Corrective Action (RCAs) were issued to non-compliant business establishments; 590 of which complied within prescribed time and 292 were endorsed to Local Government Units (LGUs) for further action and investigation.

According to DTI-FTEB, majority of the observed non-compliance of the firms are the lack of mandatory contact tracing and/or health declaration forms, thermal scanners, floor markings for the observance of physical distancing, and the regular service maintenance schedule of the firms’ air conditioning units. This is pursuant to DOLE-DTI Joint Memorandum Circular 20-04-A Supplemental Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of COVID-19 which states the implementation of risk mitigation strategies in all operating business establishments in the country by having proper ventilation and contact tracing forms, to name a few.

DTI - Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo said that health protocols must be strictly followed to manage business operations in a safer and more effective manner throughout the pandemic.

“This 2022, let us continue to be proactive and adhere to our health protocols to ensure the utmost protection of the health of the Filipino consumers, traders, and workers,” Castelo said.

“The DTI assures the consumers and the public that together with the other Government Agencies, FTEB will continue to strengthen its monitoring and implementation of MPHS on business establishments by conducting spot-checking activities regularly,” DTI – CPG Assistant Secretary and DTI – FTEB Concurrent Director Ronnel O. Abrenica underscored.