BACOLOD CITY – The Safety Organization of Negros Occidental, Inc. (SONO, Inc.), a strong partner of the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of their 16th annual safety summit, a memorable event dedicated to fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing in the fields of organizational efficiency, safety, health advocacy, and disaster resiliency. The summit, held on October 19-20, 2023, at the Northwest Inn, Bacolod City, brought together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders from various sectors to work towards a common goal: building a safer, more resilient future in alignment with Vision 2023.
Under the theme of "C.L.E.A.R 2023: Collaborative Linkages for Organizational Efficiency, Safety & Health Advocacy, & Disaster Resiliency Towards Vision 2030," the summit featured thought-provoking keynote addresses, engaging discussions, and networking opportunities. Participants gained valuable insights into the best practices, innovations, and strategies to create a safer and more efficient workplace while promoting health advocacy and disaster resiliency.
Engr. Jose Maria S. Batino, CESO IV, OIC-Executive Director of the OSHC and keynote speaker of the summit, emphasized the importance of the National OSH Profile towards effective implementation of OSH strategies in the country. Citing the 2021 published study by the National Institute of Health in the University of the Philippines - Manila, he highlighted that out of 2.3 million deaths due to work accidents, 2 million are linked to occupational illnesses.
“We need to balance the equation. We need to look at our safety and health programs. Do we monitor our workers’ exposures? And, these exposures will eventually lead to occupational illnesses,” he said. Occupational safety and health are critical, not only in ensuring the employees’ functions to their fullest but also in securing the future of workers and creating communities that are both competent and productive,” he added.
On behalf of DOLE Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez, Jr., Ms. Carmela M. Abellar, Head of DOLE-Negros Occidental Field Office, stressed the big contribution of the SONO, Inc. in promoting safety and health enabling workers to unite with their families at the end of every day’s work, healthy and injury free in Negros Occidental.
“We salute your openness to exchange ideas and practices beneficial to the industries, workers, and their families. We need each other’s expertise and collaborative efforts for a safe and healthy workplace,” she expressed.
The 16th annual safety summit serves as a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing complex challenges. The event has set a strong foundation for progress toward Vision 2023, which aims to create a safer, healthier, and more disaster-resilient future for all.
The Safety Organization of Negros Occidental, Inc. is a recognized OSH Network of the DOLE and OSHC, dedicated to promoting OSH advocacy, extensive linkages, and disaster resiliency in various industries of Negros Occidental. They aim to drive positive change and foster stakeholder collaboration to create safer and more resilient workplaces and communities.
