The Department of Trade and Industry in Davao Region (DTI-11) said it has intensified its monitoring of dine-in restaurants, barbershop, salons, and other business establishments to ensure compliance with health protocols to contain the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

In a statement Wednesday, DTI-11 reiterated that establishments allowed to operate under the current quarantine level should follow the prescribed guidelines under the DTI-Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Interim Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of Covid-19, as well as other related issuances.

Data from DTI-11 showed that as of August 26, a total of 678 business establishments in the region have already been monitored consisting of 367 dine-in restaurants, 199 barbershops or salons, eight business process outsourcing companies (BPOs), and 104 other establishments.

DTI-11 head Maria Belenda Ambi underscored the importance of the agency’s monitoring activities in keeping businesses in check and ensure that the government-enforced minimum health practices are complied with.

“We understand that everyone is still adjusting to the new normal. Nevertheless, we have to ensure that consumers are continuously protected no matter the situation is,” Ambi said.

“We would like to emphasize that DTI is not all about giving sanctions to violators. We are here to help them improve their operations as well. It is always our goal to enable businesses while we continuously protect our consumers,” she added. (PNA)