To strengthen occupational safety and health compliance in the academe, Tarlac State University's Office of University Health Services signed a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine-Tarlac Chapter this morning (March 18) at the Main AVR.
Through this partnership, PCOM-Tarlac physicians will conduct free health and safety seminars and training sessions for TSU faculty, staff, and students, with support from OUHS.
In a message, Dr. Christine Anne Corazon A. Lamorena, TSU Board of Regents private sector representative and founding president of PCOM-Tarlac, emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of OSH among employees and students.
"This partnership with TSU would enable us to strengthen our efforts in promoting a culture of occupational safety and health among [the] workforce, and this time, it's also among the students because we believe that they are our future workforce," Dr. Lamorena said.
The partnership aligns with the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, s. 2020, or the Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Public Sector, which mandates government agencies to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
Meanwhile, in a separate message, OUHS Director Dr. Rommel M. Hernandez, also the university physician, said the partnership reinforces TSU's commitment to health and safety.
"This partnership will solidify our efforts in providing and ensuring the health and safety of our students, stakeholders, faculty, and non-academic personnel. As we commit to this partnership, we are assured of a future of health and safety, for safety will always be a shared responsibility," Dr. Hernandez said.
According to Dr. Hernandez, the free training and seminar series is targeted to commence in April, with Pulmonary Tuberculosis as the first topic.
In addition to lectures, PCOM-Tarlac will provide technical assistance and guidance in developing and implementing OSH policies at TSU.
The forging of this partnership coincides with the Occupational Medicine Week, observed every third week of March.
TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco represented the university in the signing ceremony, which was witnessed by Vice President for Administration Atty. Wilmark J. Ramos, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Erwin P. Lacanlale, CASS Dean Dr. Aloysius T. Madriaga, Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs OIC, and units heads under the OUHS.
Meanwhile, the PCOM physicians present are Dr. Lily Chua, Tarlac Medical Society president; Dr. Vivian Ang, PCOM-Tarlac Chapter auditor; and Dr. Conrado Gerardo R. Genilo III, PCOM Tarlac Chapter's incoming president. (jlmm-OPA)
