Jewels from the 13th National OSH Congress,
R.M. Tubelonia
In the course of my attendance in the 13th NOSH Congress at the OSHC in Quezon City, I came across some “jewels” which I would like to share with all of you:
“Occupational safety and health (OSH) is a human right, and should never be negotiated”.
- From the Keynote Message of Honorable Secretary Rosalind D. Baldoz and read by Undersecretary Lourdes M. Trasmonte-
“National competitiveness is premised on certain factors, one of which is occupational safety and health”.
- From ECOP (Employers Confederation of the Philippines) President Miguel Varela, read by Reynaldo Moya.
“..... where did prevention fail?”
- A question posed by Exec. Director Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco, when after discussing the many interventions by OSHC, DOLE as a whole, the OSH Nets, private organizations and many others, viz-a-viz a case involving a worker who lost his hand in an accident at the factory he was working in. The owner offered to regularize the said worker.... This question underscored the need for more interventions to be put in place.
“Safety first!”
- According to Engr. Rodolfo Velasco of the Mines and Geo-Physical Bureau, this is the very first slogan that are imbibed by new workers in the mining industry.
“ Climate change is now a dominant issue in our time.”
- From Mr. Marlon Pareja, during his paper presentation on the Carbon Neutral Project of the Dela Salle University-Dasmarina, Cavite Campus.
“ A problem can not be offset with the same mindset that caused the problem in the first place”
- From Albert Einstein, as quoted by Mr. Pareja, to encourage new ways of thinking in response to climate change.
“ In Philrice, safety is not a burden but a fun practice!”
- From Ms. Hazel Jane M. Orge, Head, Integrated Standards and Systems Office, Philippine Rice Research Institute
“A report on work-related accidents must be more than just a report of numbers.”
- From Dr. Marilyn Alentajan, President, Phil. College of Occupational Medicine
“Its’ better to be safe than sorry!”
- From Asst. Secretary, Department of Labor and Employment, in her speech during the Closing Ceremony.
Since it was physically impossible for me to cover all the sessions, there may still be some”jewels” in the other sessions. Those who attended the 13th NOSH Congress is free to add some more. In fact, we may call these our “jewel collection”.
