The City Council approved during its regular session on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, the resolution authored by Councilor Annabeth Cuizon, requesting the Office of the City Administrator, City Health Office and Human Resource Management and Development Office to provide assistance to garbage collectors.
“Aside from the provision of personal protective equipment, anti-tetanus vaccination and regular intake of vitamin supplements would significantly give our garbage collectors boosted immunity,” Cuizon said, adding that pneumococcal vaccine will also protect them from other transmissible diseases.
The councilor noted that garbage collectors are essential frontline workers whose health is always at risk due to their exposure to different types of waste.
She said the City Government endeavors to ensure that its employees are mentally, physically and spiritually fit, adding that wellness programs improve the health and productivity of employees.
Cuizon told SunStar Cebu that garbage collectors will be vaccinated and get their vitamins in the last week of September, in time for the 122nd celebration of the Civil Service Commission Anniversary.
The councilor said she still has to discuss with City Health Officer Agnes Cecile Realiza the frequency of the assistance.
In his social media post, Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan said he is delighted with the approval of the resolution, considering that this will greatly help garbage collectors who are exposed to the elements while at work.
Chan said garbage collectors cannot avoid getting exposed to different objects, particularly sharp and rusty objects.
“Without them, our city won’t prosper, especially our tourism industry. Our investments are our tourist destinations and the cleanliness of our surroundings, which attract tourists and make them return,” he said in Cebuano. (MKG)