CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City’s Department of Public Services (DPS) is called on to fully equip all its garbage collectors with personal protective equipment (PPE) amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon, in a proposed resolution, said this is to help ensure the workers’ health and safety given the serious risk they face in the performance of essential waste management services.
“Due to the risky nature of their job given their continued exposure to pathogens from the different types of wastes they are exposed with, it is crucial and urgent to look into their welfare and safety,” said Dizon.
He said garbage collectors must be provided with dust masks, safety coverall, safety footwear, eye protection, safety gloves, and hand sanitizers, among others.
There should also be a provision of Vitamin C to build-up their immune system, he added.
“Urgently addressing this concern of our garbage collectors is beneficial not only for them but also for their families and the communities where they are residents since the safety and state of health of our environmental frontliners directly affects their families and the community,” said Dizon.
Dizon likewise enjoined the DPS to strictly monitor the compliance of all waste collectors of the wearing of PPE.
The DPS has around 200 garbage collectors that are still working despite the threat of COVID-19.
The department still collects garbage between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. and between midnight and 8 a.m. KQD (FREEMAN)