by Marje Pelayo, UNTV, 8 Mar 2021
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued new guidelines on the proper ventilation of workplaces and public transportation to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19.
Department Order 224-21 signed by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on March 3, spelled out fresh rules for private establishments and public transport to improve and maintain the quality of air in the workplace and public transportation.
The set of guidelines include:
For closed / air-conditioned spaces
installation and utilization of exhaust fans in indoor workplaces, restrooms and water closets;
ventilation in air, rail, land, and sea transport, and other
For non-air-conditioned spaces
maximize natural ventilation through the use of doors, windows, and other openings.
If natural ventilation is not feasible or inadequate, mechanical ventilation shall be provided.
For air-conditioned spaces and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, the outdoor air supply should conform to the recommended breathing zone ventilation rates for air dilution and comfort control.
The said ventilation system is also recommended to be utilized for at least 30 minutes before and after spaces are occupied.
Furthermore, strategies were also recommended for restrooms and water closets which include making sure that exhaust fans in restroom facilities are functional and operating at full capacity when the building is occupied.
When toilets/ water closets are used, it is advised to close the toilet bowl seat lid before flushing, if available, to minimize the release of droplets into the air due to flushing.
Bello said proper ventilation in the workplace is as important as the observation of minimum public health standards inside workplaces and public transport.
The guidelines will cover all commercial and industrial establishments, projects, sites and all other places where work is being undertaken indoors, except healthcare facilities which require special considerations or stricter rules in the COVID-19 control.
September 18 –
International Equal Pay Day
“Increase wages now,
more than other cost items.
For widespread, practical equality!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands
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October –
Monthly Observances:
Industry and Commerce Safety Month
National Statistics Month
Local Government Month
Consumer Welfare Month
Cooperative Month
National Quality and Productivity Improvement Month
National Health and Wellness Tourism Month
National Indigenous Peoples Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Elderly Filipino Week
Week 2: National Health Education Week
Local Government Week
National Mental Health Week
October 17-23:
National Week for Overcoming Extreme Poverty
October 18 – 24:
United Nations Week
Last Week:
Nurses’ Week
Consumers’ Protection Week
Week of the 4th Sunday:
Barrio Farmers’ Week
Daily Observances:
First Monday (Oct 4): Universal Children’s Day i
n the Philippines
Oct 5: National Teachers’ Day
Oct 10: Local Government Day
Third Thursday (Oct 14): Conflict Resolution Day
Oct 21: Tenants’ Emancipation day
Oct 24: United Nations Day
Oct 29: National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day
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