Villar: ‘Build Build Build’ to resume in GCQ areas

MANILA, Philippines — After the government placed some areas in the country under general community quarantine (GCQ) status, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar announced the partial resumption of Build Build Build projects in those places.

However, Villar stressed that only workers aged 21 to 59 years will be allowed to work. In addition, they would also be required to go through a COVID-19 test prior to deployment.

“On areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), construction workers accredited by the DPWH will be allowed to work on quarantine and isolation facilities, health facilities, emergency and maintenance works, flood control and other disaster risk reduction and rehabilitation works,” he said.

For those under the GCQ, he added, “private and public construction projects will be allowed to resume following compliance with the construction safety guidelines prescribed for the implementation of infrastructure projects during the COVID-19 public health crisis.”

Villar noted that only those from 21 to 59 years old without pre-existing health conditions, such as immunodeficiency, comorbidities or other health risks, shall be included in the workforce.

“The head of the concerned implementing office shall issue construction quarantine pass to the individual qualified personnel of the concessionaires, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers clearly stating the identification, designation, nature of work, validity and destination,” he said.

He added that the concessionaires, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers shall provide for their personnel the necessary welfare facilities and amenities, such as quarters for board and lodging, ensure compliance with social distancing, proper hygiene and other requirements.

“Employees shall be housed in their respective quarters for the entire duration of the project covered by the ECQ and GCQ. Otherwise, ‘prior to deployment’ procedures shall be conducted at every instance of re-entry,” he also said.

The safety officer will also be required to strictly monitor the workers to ensure compliance with safety standards and quarantine protocols. The daily monitoring of the pre- and post-work health condition of workers is mandatory.

“Personnel with manifestations or symptoms relative to COVID-19 shall be immediately isolated and quarantined for 14 days and, if necessary, brought to the nearest DOH COVID-19 treatment facility under strict confidentiality and privacy,” Villar said.

For government construction projects, the personal records of all personnel necessary for contact tracing shall be submitted by the concessionaires, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers to the DPWH implementing office and shall be resubmitted and updated monthly, or as the need arises.