📋 Tender Overview
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development DHSUD is imposing mandatory safety protocols for the resumption of construction works and other real estate activities stalled by the coronavirus disease 2019 COVID-19 pandemic.Under Department Order 2020-005 signed by DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario there were five mandatory requirements set for the developers to comply first before being allowed to resume construction works.The mandatory requirements are the conduct of contractor-funded COVID-19 testing using at least rapid test kits or a five-day quarantine of all workers regardless of status the establishment of safe and hygienic on-site or near-site barracks or quarters for workers provision of adequate assistance package for workers who may contract COVID-19 during the duration of their employment provision of group health or self-insurance coverage for all workers and wearing of facemask.Officials of the Organization of Socialized Housing Developers of the Philippines OSHDP and the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association Inc. SHDA agreed to the DHSUD guidelines during a separate video conferences presided over by Secretary Del Rosario last Wednesday and Thursday respectively.Our guidelines are mandatory we expect you to follow all these for the safety and protection of your workers your project sites and the general community Secretary Del Rosario told the developers.Issue or send a certification to our Regional Offices electronically that you have already complied with the requirements and you can resume construction works after 24 hours he added.Secretary Del Rosario however warned the developers of stiff penalties if they fail to comply with the DHSUD guidelines.Any non-compliance shall warrant the imposition of a Cease and Desist Order against the covered entities the DHSUD chief stressed.At the same time Secretary Del Rosario reminded developers that DHSUD will immediately shut down a project where a worker turns-out positive of COVID-19 in the course of the construction.Under the guidelines personnel from DHSUD Regional Offices will conduct site inspection any time to ensure compliance to the mandatory minimum requirements.Real estate activities including construction buying and selling have been suspended since March 17 when President Rodrigo Duterte declared the enhanced community quarantine ECQ to address the COVID-19 crisis.The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease IATF however last week decided to allow the resumption of public and private infrastructure projects including in the housing industry with strict compliance to health and safety protocols. The resumption of real estate activities was recommended by Secretary Del Rosario to the IATF to pump prime the economy and help the workers cope-up with the adverse effects of COVID-19.
