The Local Government Unit of Sugpon, Ilocos Sur is now officially declared as compliant to public health standards after passing all requirements set by the Safety Seal Certification Program.
The said program is an inter-agency efforts with the purpose of lowering the risks of infection from COVID-19 in public offices and business establishments as the nation sets to gradually re-open the economy.
“Hindi nakapagtatakang mabilis na nagawa ng Sugpon ang lahat ng hinihingi ng programa dahil noon pa man ay nandyan na ang mga iyan sa Munisipyo, noong isang taon pa (It is not surprising for Sugpon to immediately accomplish all requirements of the Safety Seal Certification Program because those measures have been in placed at the Municipal Hall since last year),” one employee, who asked not to be identified, pointed out.
In fact, the Municipality has enacted an ordinance that penalizes individuals who are out in public places without masks and faceshields. Public and private offices are ordered to strictly implement minimum public health standards by placing signages in their establishments telling people to wear protective gears, putting alcohol dispenser near the doors for hand disinfection, and providing thermal scanners to monitor body temperature.
An executive order mandating people not to spit in public places as this may increase the risk of spreading any kind of viruses was also introduced.
A hand-washing facility was put up at the entrance of the municipality since last year, near the checkpoint area.
With the implementation of these health protocols, Sugpon has earned the reputation from nearby places as one of the municipalities with the strictest border and internal controls against COVID-19.
Sugpon has recorded only ten (10) positive cases of COVID-19 since the global pandemic started in March, last year. Its last case was reported in the first week of April and the patient has recovered after less than two weeks.
Since then, Sugpon has been free from the virus and it has been almost three months now.
