As the pilot region for the implementation of the Safety Seal Certification Program, DILG-NCR launched its Safety Seal Certification Portal in a virtual ceremony held today, June 2.

The Safety Seal Certification Program is an undertaking between the DILG, Department of Tourism, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Health under DOLE-DOH-DILG-DOT-DTI Joint Memorandum Circular No. 21-01.

It aims to ensure that establishments are safe and follow the minimum public health standards by providing qualified establishments with a Safety Seal as a physical manifestation of compliance of an establishment to health standards.

It also seeks to encourage the adoption and use of the StaySafe.ph digital contact tracing application to increase public confidence as the government safely and gradually reopens the economy.

Regional Director Maria Lourdes Agustin led the launch virtually, while OIC Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn Baltazar-Cortez headed the ceremony in the regional office. DILG-NCR personnel and representatives from the office of Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya joined the activity online.

In her message, Agustin noted that the portal not only aims to provide information on the Safety Seal; it also integrates encoding, processing, and reporting features to make the process safe and accessible for its field offices, which serve as issuing authorities.

“We went beyond developing a microsite. The Performance, Information, and Systems Management Section and Regional Information Communication and Technology Unit created an online portal to aid in the safe and efficient implementation of the program by limiting physical contact in the process,” she said

As issuing authority, DILG shall assess the compliance of public establishments to the MPHS of the buildings and offices of Local Government Units and Barangays.

Valenzuela is the first NCR LGU awarded with the Safety Seal; Mayor Rex Gatchalian received the Safety Seal Certification last May 25. DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, Undersecretary Malaya, DTI Undersecretary Ireneo Vizmonte, and DILG Valenzuela City Director Mary Jane Nacario were present at the ceremony.

The DILG NCR Safety Seal Certification Portal can be accessed at safetyseal.ncr.dilg.gov.ph #