Last September 27, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office No. 9 issued Safety Seal certification to Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc.’s (PCPPI’s) Zamboanga plant. It is PCPPI’s ninth plant to receive the approval seal, completing the certification of all PCPPI plants in Visayas and Mindanao. The other plants to secure the Safety Seal earlier this year are Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Sto. Tomas, Tanauan, Pampanga, and Bacolod plants.

PCPPI, the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country, was recognized for its strict compliance with COVID-19 health and safety standards. These include wearing of face masks and shields, availability of handwashing stations and screening or triage area, social distancing, and using a contract-tracing application, among others.

PCCPI president and CEO Frederick D. Ong said the issuance of safety seal certification signifies the company’s unrelenting commitment to the health and safety of its employees and business partners. While the company safeguards its plants, it is also firm in meeting its inoculation target to reach herd immunity within the workplace.

“Prioritizing the health and safety of our people is a step closer to meeting our vision of becoming the leading beverage company in the country. Knowing that our employees are protected and working in a secure environment enables us to operate at the optimum level to keep the business running and stir economic recovery,” Ong said.

The certification is issued to establishments in the manufacturing, construction, utilities, information and communication, and warehousing industries. To ensure continuous compliance with safety protocols, the certification must be renewed after its six-month validity. The Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism, Department of Interior and Local Governance, Philippine National Police, and the different local government units join DOLE as designated authorities to issue the Safety Seal Certification Program.