As of June 1, more employees are able to report back to the main office as the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) transitioned into the General Community Quarantine (GCQ). The workforce remained skeletal, which means only 180 employees of PHIVOLCS are allowed to report physically, while the rest work from their homes. With more employees physically reporting to the main office, DOST-PHIVOLCS sought to strengthen the existing countermeasures.

Following the No Mask, No Entry Policy, washable face masks were distributed to those scheduled to report to the office. The Finance and Administrative Division (FAD) continues to coordinate the overnight accommodations and shuttle services for employees who have difficulties commuting. As an added measure, both employees working from home and physically reporting to the office are required to fill-in the Health Declaration Form daily.

SafePass

With the help of the Management Information Systems (MIS) team and an ICT-based technology company UNAWA, employees can now use SafePass. SafePass is a contactless authorizing, scheduling, and contact tracing management system for establishments operating during community quarantine.

Employees and visitors must answer the SafePass safety questions and scan their generated QR codes in the lobby upon entry and exit of the building. SafePass helps manage the number of people going in and out of the office. By doing so, DOST-PHIVOLCS is able to maintain a database that can be used for any necessary contact tracing.

Mental Health Assessment

On June 9, FAD, with the help of Premier Value Provider, Inc. (PVP), released a mental health survey in accordance with the Civil Service Commission Memorandum titled ‘Mental Health in the Public Sector.’ The survey aims to measure the employees’ mental health, which then can be used to develop DOST-PHIVOLCS’ own mental health program. Once an employee has accomplished the online form, they may opt to receive a short summary of their results through email.

DOST-PHIVOLCS is continuing to improve the employees’ working conditions during the pandemic. Despite the many workplace changes, monitoring of seismic activities and active volcanoes remain unimpeded. Information materials on geologic disaster awareness and preparedness, volcano bulletins, and earthquake information remain updated and available in the DOST-PHIVOLCS website and official social media accounts.