By CESAR JOLITO III

The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) is calling on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to tighten its enforcement of disaster preparedness standards among Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firms and other large private establishments following recent safety lapses reported in the wake of the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu province on September 30.

In a resolution, the SP urged DOLE to require companies to have comprehensive, regularly tested emergency and disaster response plans in compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Standards under the Labor Code.

Councilor Caesar Distrito said the measure seeks to ensure the safety of thousands of employees, particularly those working in 24/7 operations like BPOs, from potential risks during calamities such as earthquakes and fires.

“The safety and well-being of employees should always come first,” Distrito said.

“Companies must have clear, tested and updated emergency and disaster response plans to safeguard their workers, especially in high-occupancy workplaces like BPOs,” he added.

The resolution was prompted by reports that some BPO employees in Cebu were ordered to return to work in buildings with questionable structural integrity after the earthquake last week.

Distrito emphasized that such incidents highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of workplace safety protocols.

“This shows why DOLE must ensure employers are ready and accountable when emergencies happen,” he added./CJ, WDJ