PREFACE

Workers in the public sector are now better protected from work-
related accidents and illnesses with the newly issued Joint Memorandum
Circular NO.1, series of 2020, of the Civil Service Commission, Department
of Health, and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

This Memorandum Circular contains the Occupational Safety and

Health Standards for the Public Sector covers all officials and employees
in the National Government Agencies, State Universities and Colleges, Local
Government Units, and Government Owned and Controlled Corporations,
with permanent, temporary, or casual status, including job order and con-
tract of service workers, and institutional and individual contractors.

All government agencies are required to establish their own occupational

safety and health (OSH) program, create a safety and health committee and/
or special investigation committee, and designate a safety and health officer
to ensure that compliance to this guidelines is implemented in their respective
workplaces. The budget for the implementation of OSH programs
must be included in the agency’s Annual Work and Financial Plan.

The Occupational Safety and Health Center, an attached agency of the Department of
Labor and Employment, is working hand in hand with the Civil Service Commission,
Department of Health and all other government agencies to provide OSH trainings
to would-be safety officers in the public sector and to develop IEC materials to
efficiently disseminate inmportant OSH information to all government employees.

This information package contains the Guidelines On OSH Standards

for the Public Sector as stated in the JMC No.1 series of 2020 as well
as OSH tips to help keep government epmployees safe and healthy.
GUIDELINES ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS FOR THE
PUBLIC SECTOR

I. Rationale

Global trade liberalization, rapid technological progress, shifting patterns of

employment to include migration, changes in organization‘s work practices,
such as business process outsourcing, and the size, structure and life cycles of
enterprises can all generate new types and patterns of hazards, exposures and risks.

For the year 2011, the Philippines Labor Statistics reported 48,977
occupational injuries; mostly occurring in the manufacturing,
wholesale and retail trade, accommodation and food service,
construction and agriculture industries. Further, an estimated 85,843 cases of
occupational diseases were also reported in establishments
employing 20 or more workers. Among the leading causes are back pain,
essential hypertension, neck/shoulder pain, peptic ulcer, and tuberculosis.

Inspite of the numerous policy instruments, guidelines and standards

for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), gaps and issues identified
relate to the lack of awareness among rights-holders on the provision
of ‘just and humane terms and conditions of work’; and among
duty-bearers, unclear scope of policies in implementing OHS system
elements (i.e., governance, information systems, financing, products
and technologies, health service delivery, and human resources).

Considering the continuing influx of changes in the working

environment brought about by industrialization, globalization, and
technology advancement affecting health and wellness of government
workers in the workplace, there is a need to enhance and to further improve
the existing working conditions in all government agencies.

Under Section 3, Article XIII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution,

Occupational Health and Safety is a right, hence, it is important that all
sectors, both public and private, should endeavour for better working
conditions in their respective workplaces. Evidence-based studies
revealed that a holistic approach, combining occupational health and safety
with disease prevention, and tackling the social determination of health
within a systems framework generates a more responsive and concerted

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action for protecting and promoting the health of workers. Thus, the need for a
policy framework that will illuminate entry-points for interventions and shared
responsibilities among all stakeholders and partner agencies.

II. Objectives

This Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the

Public Sector is aimed at protecting all government employees from
the dangers of injury, sickness or death in the workplace through the
adoption of safe and healthy working conditions to ensure the preservation
of human lives and resources and prevent loss/damage of properties.

This shall also guide the government agencies in the development,

implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Occupational Safety and Health for
government employees. More particularly, this Guidelines seeks to:

1. Institutionalize occupational health and safety in the public

sector and government workplaces;

2. Identify and delineate roles and responsibilities of lead agencies,

heads of agencies and safety and health committees, within the
scope of the Joint Memorandum Circular; and

3. Establish Safety and Health Committees within government agencies.

III. Scope

This Guidelines on the OSH Standards shall apply to all officials and employees
in the NGAs, SUCs, LGUs; and GOCCs whether permanent, temporary and/or
casual status.

Job orders, contract of services, institutional and individual contractors shall like-
wise be covered in this guidelines in accordance with the provisions stated in the
CSC-COA-DBM Joint Circular No. 1 s. 2017, as amended by CSC-COA-DBM Joint
Circular No. 1, s. 2018.

IV. Definition of Terms

Contract of Service – refers to the engagement of the services of an

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individual, private firm, other government agency, non-government agency
or international organization as consultant, learning service provider or technical
expert to undertake special project or job for a specific period.

Government agencies – government offices that are created by

law, with prescribed powers and mandate. It refers to all branches,
subdivisions, instrumentalities, and agencies of the Government, including
National Government Agencies (NGAs), State Universities and Colleges
(SUCs), Local Government Units (LGUs) and Government-
Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) with original charters.

Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporation (GOCC) – refers

to any agency organized as a stock or nonstock corporation, vested
with functions relating to public needs whether governmental or
proprietary in nature, and owned by the Government of the Republic
of the Philippines directly or through its instrumentalities either
wholly or, where applicable as in the case of stock corporations, to the extent of
at least a majority of its outstanding capital stock.

Institutional Contract – refers to an agreement between a government agency

and contractor or service provider duly-registered and authorized to provide
services such as janitorial, security, consultancy, and other support services.

Job Order – refers to piece work (pakyaw) or intermittent or emergen-

cy jobs such as clearing of debris on the roads, canals, waterways,
etc. after natural/man-made disasters/occurrences and other manual/
trades and crafts services such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical and the
like. These jobs are of short duration and for a specific piece of work.

Local Government Units (LGUs) – refer to the provinces, cities,

municipalities, barangays, and other political subdivisions as may be created by
law, enjoying local autonomy to enable them to attain their fullest development as
self-reliant communities.

National Government – refers to the entire machinery of the central

government as distinguished from the different forms of local governments.

National Government Agencies (NGAs) - refer to units of the National

Government.

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Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) - refers to:
a. promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental
and social wellbeing of workers in all occupations;
b. prevention among workers of any departures from health caused
by their working conditions;
c. protection among workers in their employment from risks usually
from factors adverse to health, and placing and maintenance of
the worker in an occupational environment adapted to his/her
physiological ability;
d. provision of access to social insurance and related benefits.

Occupational Safety and Health Devices and Technology – refers

to Personal Protective Equipment, Personal sampler, work
environmental monitoring devices (e.g., air sampler, sound level meter,
lux meter, psychrometer, velometer, dosimeter, etc. ) and the like.

Occupational Safety and Health Management and Information

System – refers to integrated data collection, processing, reporting
and use of the information which is necessary for improving
occupational health service efficiency and effectiveness.

Occupational Safety and Health Services – refer to preventive, promotive,

protective, curative and rehabilitative services related to OSH.

Occupational Safety and Health Standards – refer to the set of

rules, guidelines and measures for the prevention and control
of occupational hazards to safeguard the workers’ social and economic
well-being as well as their physical safety and health.

Safety and Health Officer – refers to a person responsible for ensuring

adherence to safety regulations, rules and policies and for assessing unsafe act
and environment and hazardous situations/circumstances in the work place.

State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) – refer to public

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines created
and established by law which constitutes their charter and which have indepen-
dent and separate Governing Boards (GBs).

Working Condition – refers to the working environment and all existing

conditions and circumstances including but not limited to working hours,
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rest periods, work schedules, health and safety programs, amenities,
physical environment and work environment structure, among others, which
are needed to support employees in the course of their duties and functions.

Workplace – refers to a place/establishment/agency where people are employed/

hired which includes working areas, employee lounges and restrooms,
convention halls, class rooms, employee cafeterias, hallways and quarters, if
there are any, as well as the office vehicles or shuttle.

V. Provision For Reasonable Working Conditions

1. Workplace

a. Building premises shall have

adequate fire, emergency or
danger signs, Globally
Harmonized System (GHS)
pictograms and safety
instructions of standard
colors and sizes visible at all
times, in accordance with the
“Standard colors of signs for
safety instruction and warnings
in building premises”

b. Facilities for persons with disabilities should be

provided for their safe and convenient movement
within the establishment/agency.

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c. Good housekeeping shall be maintained at all times, e.g. cleanliness of build-
ing, premises, machines, equipment, eradication of stagnant water that serve
as breeding ground of mosquitoes and other insects, regular waste disposal,
and orderly arrangement of processes, operations, storage and filing of materials.

d. Sanitary Facilities, e.g. adequate comfort rooms and

lavatories separate for male and female workers/employees,
among others must be provided and maintained

e. Building construction and maintenance,

space requirement, walk way surface,
floor and wall openings, stairs,
window openings, fixed ladders,
among others, must conform to the provisions
of Rule 1060 of the OSH Standards.

f. Indoor air quality management program shall be instituted to ensure prevention

of exposure of employees to hazardous environment and/or conditions

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 g. Provisions for personal protective
equipment and devises must conform
to Rule 1080 of the OSH Standards.

h. Handling, use and storage of hazardous

materials must be addressed accordingly
pursuant to DOLE Department Order 136
- Series of 2014, Rule 1090 of the OSH
Standards, and Republic Act No. 6969
(Toxic Substances and Hazardous and
Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990).

i. There shall be a provision for a health clinic or treatment room.

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2. Emergency Preparedness

a. A Risk Reduction Management System

and a Crisis Management Plan and Con-
tingency Program in an emergency
situation within the agency
must be established as provided for by
the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Act of 2010

b. Trainings and drills on Disaster Risk Reduction Management must be con-

ducted to ensure employees and staff are prepared during emergencies.

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 c. Emergency supplies such as fire extinguishers, medical first
aid kits, etc. among others, must be adequate and ensured to
be available all the time.

d. A first aider trained and duly certified or

accredited by the Philippine National Red
Cross or by any authorized organization
qualified shall administer first-aid
during emergencies.

e. A Memorandum of
Understanding/Memorandum of
Agreement with the nearest government health facility for emergency medical
services for occupational accidents and injuries must be established,
to ensure medical services will be available during emergency.

3. Occupational Safety and Health Program

a. Minimum OSH Programs such as, but

not limited to the following shall be
established:
a.1. Occupational Accident and Illness
Prevention Program
a.2 Medical Services Assistance and
Rehabilitation Program

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 a.3 Occupational Accident and Illness Surveillance Program
a.4 Information and Education Campaign Program

b. Promotion and practice of Health and Wellness in the workplace as provided in

* CSC Memorandum Circular No. 38, series of 1992;
* CSC MC No. 06, series of 1995;
* CSC MC No. 21, series of 2009
shall be ensured.

4. Support Facilities

a. Facilities which may be used for the promotion of health and wellness in the
workplace, such as but not limited to the following shall be provided:

RECREATION ROOM TRAINING ROOM

LACTATION ROOM DAY CARE

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b. Work assignments and good working atmosphere for improved productivity shall
be provided to the following employees with special needs:

b.1. Pregnant women

b.2. Older employees with special needs
b.3. Differently abled employees
b.4. With limited working abilities

c. Policy and provision for lactation stations for lactating mothers shall
be established, as provided by Republic Act No. 10028.

5. Working Hours, Break and Leave Privileges

a. The Agency Heads shall ensure that the provisions of the Omnibus Rules on
Leaves are strictly observed.
b. The Agency Heads shall ensure that working breaks in
between working hours are complied with in order
to minimize/prevent employees’ exposure to illness
due to prolonged sitting without prejudice
to the “No Noon Break” Policy.

c. The Agency Heads shall ensure that

policies and guidelines on overtime
services based on CSC-DBM Joint
Circular No. 1 s. 201 are strictly
observed and implemented.

d. Agency Heads shall allow and adopt flexible working hours or arranged work-
ing hours while maintaining the required total number of work hours per day or
week except for health carefacilities and offices involved in emergency services,
law enforcement and similar duties, which may adopt the four-day work week
scheme, if applicable.

6. Work Environment

Implement policies and programs relative to:

a. Prohibition of smoking at the workplace as provided in

CSC Memorandum Circular No. 17, s. 2009 and CSC-Department of Health
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 Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2010-01
b. Workplace Policy and Program for a Drug-free Workplace
c. Tuberculosis prevention and control in the workplace
d. Workplace Policy and Education Program on HIV and AIDS

VI. Promotion of OSH

1. Agency Heads shall ensure comprehensive

dissemination of OSH information through a
communication plan which includes the
publication of pertinent OSH information in
the agency website and other communication
materials and the establishment of a feedback mechanism which shall be utilized
to enhance the OSH program.

2. Employees shall participate in the OSH

information and education program, trainings and
other related initiatives of the agency to contribute
to the improvement and sustainability of the
same.

3. Employees shall report OSH related illness and

accidents to the Management in order for the
latter to act and provide the necessary intervention
thereby enhancing the OSH Program.

4. Establish network to support and sustain the implementation of OSH program

with DOLE, DOH and academic institutions which can provide trainings, technical
and medical assistance.

5. Ensure that OSH program and activities are included in the Annual Work and
Financial Plan of the agency.

VII. Institutional Arrangement

The lead agencies for the implementation of this Guidelines are the DOH, DOLE
and CSC.

For efficient administration and implementation of this guidelines and in consonance

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with the DOH-DOLE-CSC JAO No. 2017-001, the duties and responsibilities of
the stakeholders are enumerated as follows:

A. Civil Service Commission

1. Oversee the implementation of this Guidelines.

2. Formulate or enhance policy in support of OSH for the

public sector.

3. Integrate OSH subjects / topics in Learning and Development Programs for

government officials and employees; and

4. Investigate and decide on administrative cases arising from non-compliance

with this Rules or the OSH Program.

B. Department of Health

1. Establish a system/mechanism to provide health services

and health service providers to government employees,
including those in temporary or casual status;

2. Establish surveillance and monitoring of occupational health injuries, diseases

and deaths in the public sector through its Health Information System;

3. Develop occupational health service and benefit packages for the public sector;

4. Provide technical assistance and human resource support in the periodic and
special inspection and investigation of OSH-related accidents and as deemed
necessary;

5. Develop a tool kit as a guide for agencies in their program implementation;

and,

6. Provide guidance on the implementation on preventive and promotive workplace

health programmes.

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 C. Department of Labor and Employment

1. Provide relevant OSH Standards for the government

sector;

2. Provide knowledge and information services/data on

OSH standard, programs and enforcement activities,
and recommend mechanisms to harmonize different OSH Promotion campaigns
with partner agencies;

3. Plan, develop and implement Occupational Safety and Health training programs
for government agencies, through its Occupational Safety and Health Center
(OSHC);

4. In partnership with Government Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs),

specifically the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Employees
Compensation Commission (ECC) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
(Philhealth), formulate compensation guidelines for work-related injuries and
illnesses; and,

5. Provide technical assistance and human resource support in periodic and

special inspection and investigation of OSH-related accidents and as deemed
necessary.

D. CSC-DOH-DOLE Joint Functions and Responsibilities

1. CSC, DOH and DOLE as lead agencies shall collaborate, provide technical
assistance and share expertise in conducting capacity building program on
OSH for government employees.

2. CSC, DOH and DOLE as lead agencies shall develop a system of rewards and
recognition for compliant government agencies on OSH program.

E. Heads of Government Agencies

1. Provide a reasonable working condition and ensure that the workplace is free
from hazardous conditions that will cause death, illness or physical injury/ies
to its workers/employees;
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 2. Ensure the conduct of occupational safety awareness; work
hazards analysis sessions; identification of hazards and measures
to be undertaken by all their employees in case of emergency and
other analogous incidents/circumstances;

3. Comply with the requirements of the OSH Standards;

4. Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at no cost

to the worker and ensure that the appropriate and approved
devices and equipment used are only those that passed the
Philippine quality standards whether local or international.

5. Establish and adopt policies on safety peculiar to its environment

in conformity with the provisions of this Standards outlining
therein accountable persons and the scope of their delegated
authority;

6. Appoint or designate, as the case may be, a Safety and

Health Officer, and ensure that the needed OSH trainings
are undertaken;
7. Create a Safety and Health Committee and/
or a Special Investigation Committee which will
conduct regular meetings and/or investigation
on occupational related accidents, injuries,
illness and/or death; and acts on measures
recommended by the Safety and Health
Committee and/or Special Investigation
Committee;

8. Provide annual report and documentation

on the health and safety program of the
agency, including but not limited, to the
following:

a. OSH related activities;

b. Safety performance;
c. OSH Committee recommendations and measures taken to implement
such recommendations;
d. Survey Report of approved sick leave applications due to work related
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 sickness/diseases;
e. Incident report on work related injuries.

9. Provide emergency medical services for all employees for occupational related
accidents, injury, illness and or death, including but not limited to emergency
hospitalization, medical supplies and emergency kits.

10. Ensure that institutional contractors or

service providers have functional OSH
policy and program which will cover
employees deployed in government
agencies and meet the requirement
as provided in the CSC-COA-DBM
Joint Circular No. 1, s. 2017
dated June 15, 2017, as amended by CSC-COA-DBM Joint
Circular No. 1, s. 2018.

11. Ensure that emergency OSH related services will be provided

for job order, contract of service and/or individual contract employees such as
first aid, emergency medical supplies and emergency hospitalization assistance;
confinement and other related expenses shall be borne by the said contracting
agency/individual and must be stipulated in the terms and conditions of the
contract.

F. Government Employees

1. Cooperate with the agency in carrying out the

provisions of this Guidelines and report to the
Safety and Health Committee any work hazard
that may be observed in the workplace;

2. Follow all instructions on work safety given by

the agency in compliance with the provisions of
the Standards and make use of all safeguard and
safety devices provided by the agency;

3. Participate/Cooperate with the Safety and Health

Committee on OSH programs, initiatives and activities; and

4. Support government agencies in the conduct of health and safety inspection

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or other programs.

G. Job-order and contract of service workers

1. The institutional contractors or contract service providers must ensure that

their employees deployed in government agencies are provided with medical
coverage and they must meet the requirement as provided in the CSC-COA-
DBM Joint Circular No. 1, s. 2017 dated June 15, 2017, as amended by CSC-
COA-DBM Joint Circular No. 1, s. 2018. Heads of the receiving government
agencies where the said job order or contract of service employees are deployed
shall only provide medical assistance in case of emergency.

2. Follow all instructions on work safety given by the agency/employer in compliance

with the provisions of the Standards and make use of all safeguards and
safety devices provided by their employer.

H. Safety & Health Officer (SHO)

1. Undergo training on Occupational Safety and Health

and related programs;

2. Act as the focal person of the agency in the implementation

of programs to eliminate hazards in the workplace and to
correct and/ or amend risky and/ or unsafe work practices;

3. Serve as Secretary to the Safety and Health Committee, and as such he/she
shall:

a. Notify members of the meetings

b. Prepare minutes of the meeting;
c. Submit to the head of agency a report of the activities of the Committee
including the recommendations made thereof;

4. Report on the occurrence of accidents; and,

5. Coordinate all safety and health training programs for the agency management
and employees.

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I. Safety and Health Committee

Composition

1. All government agencies shall

constitute their respective Safety
and Health Committees (SHC)
within six (6) months from the
effectivity of this policy while they may reorganize as deemed fit.

The composition of the Safety and Health Committee is as follows:

Chairperson - The Head of the agency or his/her authorized representative

who holds an executive/managerial rank/ position

Members - The highest ranking officer/executive in charge of Human Resource

- Two (2) representatives from the accredited employees’ association

(one 1st Level and one 2nd Level employee)

In case there is no accredited or registered employee organization,

the employees shall elect one representative each from the 1st and
2nd level positions

- The agency physician, or in the absence thereof, any employee who

is a graduate of a medical-related course

- Representative from the Local Risk Reduction and Management

Council/Risk Reduction Management Officer or its equivalent

Secretary - Occupational Safety & Health Officer

The Safety and Health Committee shall be establishedat the national, local and regional
offices, if applicable.

Duties and Functions of the Safety and Health Committee

The Safety and Health Committee is the policy making body on matters pertaining to
safety and health. The Committee is tasked to:
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1. Develop OSH policy and standards internal to the agency which should be in
accordance with the herein rule;

2. Plan and develop health related trainings/seminars for the furtherance of

promotion and accident prevention programs in the workplace;

3. Initiate and implement improvement of working conditions relative to a safe

and healthy working environment;

4. Ensure the health promotion and accident prevention efforts of the agency
in compliance with the government safety programs to maintain healthy work
habits and safety practices in the workplace;

5. Conduct periodic safety meetings;

6. Submit reports on its meetings and other activities to the head of the agency;

7. Review reports of inspection, accident investigations and implementation of

programs;

8. Provide the necessary support to government inspection authorities in the

proper conduct of the said activities;

9. Initiate safety trainings on OSH for the agency by coordinating with appropriate
training institutions;

10. Develop and maintain contingency plans and provide trainings/seminars in

handling disaster situations; and

11. Submit to the head of the agency an Annual Work and Financial Plan and
budget needed to support the OSH programs.

J. Employee Organization Representative/s

The representatives of the accredited employee organization, or in its absence, a

registered employee organization within the agency, shall:

1. Support the agency in carrying out the provisions of the standards and report
to Management any work hazards that can be observed in the workplace;

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2. Participate/Cooperate in activities initiated by the Safety and Health Committee;

3. Assist their agency in the conduct of safety and health inspection or other
OSH programs;

4. Gather occupational safety and health related concerns/issues and elevate the
same to the OSH Committee for discussion and appropriate action; and

5. Negotiate for better working conditions in their workplace as the provisions

stated herein guarantee no infringement of the rights of the employees’ organizations
to negotiate for such.

VIII. Procedure on Special Inspection, Investigation and Review

Any employee or representative of employees or any concerned person who believes

that a violation of any of the provision of this Standards threatens physical well-
being, harm or poses imminent danger to life, may submit a request to address
the issue/concern along with a narrative report regarding the violations, to the
agency Grievance Committee, as prescribed in CSC Memorandum Circular No.
2, series of 2001 dated January 26, 2001.

If the Grievance Committee finds a reasonable ground that a violation has been
committed or a danger exists, an immediate inspection or investigation shall be
conducted. The complainant, the Head of Agency and the CSC Regional Office
or Field Office shall be given a copy of the result of such inspection/investigation
upon its completion.

IX. Reporting Requirements & Records Keeping

1. All work related accidents, injuries or illnesses in the workplace, resulting to a

disabling condition and/or dangerous occurrence must be periodically reported by
the Human Resource Office of the respective government agency to the Safety
and Health Committee copy furnished the Head of the Agency.

2. Where the accident/illness results in death or permanent total disability,

a report must be submitted within twenty four (24) hours after its occurrence
to the Health and Safety Committee and the Head of Agency for appropriate
and necessary action to address the concern.

3. The agency, through its Human Resource Office, shall maintain and keep
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an accident or illness record which shall be open at all times for inspection
by authorized personnel which shall contain the following information:

a. Date of accident or illness;

b. Name of injured/ill employee, age and sexual orientation;
c. Occupation/position of the employee;
d. Cause of accident/illness;
e. Extent and nature of disability/injury;
f. Duration of disability/injury;
g. Extent of damage, including actual medical cost;
h. Corrrective action/s on OSH related findings which caused illnesses/
accidents to be undertaken or was undertaken.

4. In reporting, medical confidentiality must be ensured

5. The agency through the Human Resource Office shall assist the employee for
Employee Compensation claims by submitting pertinent records to the GSIS.

X. Monitoring and Evaluation

1. Agencies shall include in its Annual Report their compliance with this Joint
Memorandum Circular and provide copy/ies for the CSC.

2. An annual review of the agency’s past year’s compliance with the Standard
must be done by the Safety and Health Committee every first quarter of the
succeeding year. Thereafter, the Safety and Health Committee of the agency
shall conduct a quarterly periodic review and report on the same must be
included in the Agency’s Annual Report.

XI. Administrative Justice Mechanism

Heads, officials and employees of government agencies who violate this guidelines
shall be subject to administrative disciplinary action pursuant to Section
50, Rule 10 (Administrative Offenses and Penalties) of the 2017 Rules on
Administrative Cases in the Civil Service, without prejudice to the filing of crimi-
nal as well as civil actions under existing laws, rules and regulations.

XII. Funding Source

Funds needed for the implementation of this Joint Memorandum Circular shall
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be included in the agency’s regular budget and Annual Work and Financial Plan.

XIII. Separability Clauses

In the event that any of the provisions of this Guidelines is declared unconstitutional,
the validity of the other provisions shall not be affected by such declaration.

XIV. Effectivity

This Circular shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper
of general circulation.

Quezon City, 4 March 2020.

(Sgd.) ALICIA dela ROSA-BALA Chairperson

Civil Service Commission

(Sgd.) FRANCISCO T. DUQUE III (Sgd.) SILVESTRE H. BELLO III

Secretary Secretary
Department of Health Department of Labor and Employment

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