Eight private companies in Region XI received recognition for their commitment in implementing Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) programs and activities, which have resulted to having no disabling injuries or no lost time accidents in their operations.

The Safety Milestone (SMile) Recognition is an incentive program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).  It aims to motivate and encourage companies to be steadfast in the implementation of OSH programs and activities, thus facilitate compliance with the provisions of the OSH Standards resulting to a safe and healthful workplace.

At the Safety Milestone (SMILE) Recognition Program held at The Bayleaf, Intramuros, Manila on December 12, 2011, DOLESecretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz recognized the following companies in Region XI to have achieved safety milestone of no lost time accident for 2011: Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils., Inc. – Davao Plant (Ulas, Davao City); Petron Corporation Davao Depot (Brgy. Pampanga, Davao City); San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation – Davao Beverage Packing Plant (Darong, Davao del Sur); Toyota Davao, Inc. (Lanang, Davao City); Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (C. Bangoy St., Davao City); San Miguel Brewery (Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur); Mindanao Corrugated Fibreboard, Inc. (Sasa, Davao City); and Stanfilco, a Division of Dole Phils. – VHT Operations (San Pedro, Panabo City).

The company’s OSH personnel who are DOLE accredited OSH Practitioners/consultants were likewise recognized for their best practices, which contributed to the attainment of their company’s safety milestone: Richard L. Wong of Petron Corporation; Kishler A. Pascual of San Miguel Yamamura; Claro V. Landeta of Phil. Long Distance Company; Roy Angelo B. Iduliantes of Mindanao Corrugated Fibreboard Corp.; and Nelson Espero of Stanfilco, a Division of Dole Phils.

DOLE XI Regional Director Joffrey M. Suyao lauded the winners for their relentless effort and commitment to prioritize the safety and health of their workers.   “Our awardees are role models and their best practices are worthy of emulation.  We are hopeful that more companies and OSH Practitioners in Region XI will also be motivated and encouraged to implement OSH programs and activities in the workplace,” he said.