Thousands return to work as Bataan Freeport locators resume operations

By Mar Jay delas Alas, 9 Jun 2020

MARIVELES, Bataan, June 9 (PIA) — Some 22,000 workers at the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) are now back to work after locators resumed operations since the start of the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) Administrator Emmanuel Pineda said FAB registered enterprises were compliant with the protocols and guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases both during the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and the ongoing GCQ.

“Out of 95 operating companies with almost 44,000 workers before ECQ, it was reduced to about 3,000 workers during the ECQ period as companies imposed skeletal workforce of operations inside FAB,” Pineda revealed today during the Rektang Konek-Aksyon Agad program.

He added that the only company operating in full operations during the ECQ period is the sole enterprise in the country that produces face masks, which was supported by AFAB all throughout its operation.

Pineda also assured that during that period, displaced workers were provided with assistance to address some of their needs due to the temporary suspension of work.

Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan Administrator Emmanuel Pineda explains protocols inside the Freeport Area of Bataan under General Community Quarantine. (Mar Jay Delas Alas/PIA 3)
“AFAB provided a PhP6 million cash donation to the municipal government of Mariveles and provincial government of Bataan so both can send aid to FAB displaced workers,” the administrator shared.

Moreover, AFAB has set up a screening and triage area for systematic identification and immediate separation of probable and suspect coronavirus disease cases. Temperature checking and disinfection booths at AFAB Admin Building entrances were also installed.

As AFAB encourages all enterprises in the Freeport to put up their respective screening and triage areas, it shall complement said areas with manpower and equipment such as oximeters and thermal scanners.

On-site inspection was also recently conducted to ensure registered enterprises are compliant with the overall occupational health and safety management as required by AFAB.

Among inspected are the 1-meter physical distancing, availability of hand washing stations and other minimum health standards and preventive measures set by the Department of Health and the Department of Labor and Employment. (CLJD/MJSD-PIA 3)