Heralding the theme of “Healthy Workforce, Healthy Philippines”, the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) with the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine, Inc. (PCOM), launched the first Occupational Medicine Week 2023 Celebration at Baguio City, Benguet, starting March 18, 2023.
The theme for the 2023 Occupational Medicine (OM) Week emphasizes that the health of workers can be improved through the implementation of health programs in the workplace that will reduce, prevent, or control diseases, and highlights the link between workers’ health and their productivity.
Legal Foundation
Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1316: “Declaring the Third Week of March of Every Year as Occupational Medicine Week,” issued by past President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on 02 March 2022, the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) endeavors to promote workplace safety and health by actively participating and supporting the effective implementation of this proclamation.
“The Occupational Safety and Health Center of the Department of Labor and Employment endeavors to promote the safety and health of the workers which can be improved through the implementation of workplace programs that will reduce, prevent, or control diseases, thereby reinforcing the workers’ health and productivity “
Week-long Activities
The week-long celebration started in Baguio City through the unveiling of the PCOM Marker and tree planting activity at the Pine Trees of the World Park followed by a motorcade to the Baguio City Rizal Park for the Wreath Laying event.
Among the celebration’s highlights is a Luncheon Press Conference held on march 18, 2023 at the Sapphire Hall, Crown Legacy Hotel, Baguio City.
The panel of speakers during the press conference included OIC-Assistant Regional Director Emerito Narag, PhD., (DOLE-CAR), OSHC Executive Director Ma. Teresita Cucueco, MD, CESO III, PCOM National President Anna Sofia Victoria Fajardo, MD, MBAH, FPCOM, and PCOM Baguio-Benguet Chapter President Rona Palaganas-Bautista, MD, DPCOM.
Representatives from the press include local and national broadsheet agencies and broadcast/online media partners.
A significant discussion among the panel speakers and media practitioners is on the lasting effect of Covid-19 at workplaces, program interventions by the DOLE and OSHC, and mechanisms in the strengthening of the DOLE inspection program, based on Department Order No. 138, series of 2017: the “Revised Rules on the Administration and Enforcement of Labor Laws Pursuant to Article 128 of the Labor Code”. The panel of speakers answered eagerly the questions and clarifications raised by the media representative-partners.
Day two’s activities include a Fun Run at the Fr. Raphael Desmedt Athleic Oval, SLU Maryheights Campus, and the Fellowship Night at the Grand Ballroom, Newtown Plaza Hotel, held in the early morning and evening.
A series of OM-related webinars will be from March 21 until March 23, 2023. Topics include: “The Occupational Health Physician: Criteria and Methods Used in the Assessment of Fitness for Work”, “Revisiting the Role of Occupational Health Nurse in the OSH Management System”, and culminating with “Institutionalization of Occupational Safety and Health in the Public Sector”.
Simultaneously from March 23 to 25 is the 44th Philippine College of Occupational Medicine, Inc., Annual Convention at The Manila Hotel, National Capital Region.
With the first Occupational Medicine Week celebration, the OSHC and the DOLE hope to foster improved cooperation and support from the general public in strengthening the practice of Occupational Safety and Health in the country.
end//Daryll B. Ponard
LEO III/LIO Designate