ILOILO City – Food delivery servicemen must have health cards as proof that they are healthy and free from diseases.
“We are for the safety of our consumers and food handlers… (we want) clean and safe food delivered to our table,” said Councilor Alan Zaldivar who introduced Resolution No. 2021-501 before the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) calling for the health card requirement.
In the city’s Health Code, heath card or medical certificate is required of food handlers, he pointed out.
“The health card is also for them to ensure nga healthy sila. Under our Health Code any business in food handling dapat may requirement like medical certificate and heath card,” said Zaldivar.
SP approved Resolution No. 2021-501 on July 6. It further cited the Food Safety Act of 2013.
“During this time of pandemic food delivery service is one of the most convenient ways to order food without going out of the house and also considered a preventive measure,” the resolution read.
“Since food delivery service providers are part of the food handling arrangement, it is only proper that their personnel delivering food should comply with food safety protocols which include securing a health card,” it added.
Health cards can be obtained at the City Health Office.
Zaldivar added that the city council may also come up with an ordinance regarding this but there must be a prior consultation with stakeholders.
There are roughly around 1,200 food delivery servicemen in this southern city.
One food delivery crew also told Panay News they do not have health cards yet.
According to Arnel Lauriano of Mandurriao district, they understand the importance of health cards as these are considered essential during the pandemic.
“Dapat may ara gid man health card,” he noted, adding that he is willing to comply./PN
