Being the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC)’s partner in the implementation of various plans and programs in its mandate for the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)’s goal for a safe and healthy work environment, DOLE MIMAROPA through its Palawan Field Office, conducted the re-organization of Palawan Occupational Safety and Health Network (POSHNET) on 25 July 2019 at Empire Suites Hotel, Rizal Avenue, Brgy. Maningning, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. A total of 46 safety officers from different sectors and industries such as retail, mining operations and processing, government, hospitality, food, construction, power, gas and oil were present.
DOLE MIMAROPA TSSD Chief Philip D. Ruga welcomed the participants and informed them the importance of reviving the Palawan OSHNET. In his message, Mr. Ruga said that DOLE MIMAROPA will be working closely with Palawan OSHNET as one of its partners to enhance the network’s capacities in the delivery of OSH trainings and OSH-related activities for the improvement of safety and health programs of various enterprise/establishments.
Engr. Rhea J. Paitan, Senior Labor and Employment Officer and current Program Manager of Employment Preservation and Regularization in DOLE MIMAROPA, briefed the safety officers regarding the history of POSHNET. She encouraged the group to elect officers who are passionate to the cause of the network. This will be the determining factor for the Palawan OSHNET’s effectivity and sustainability.
Election of officers immediately followed. The following were the elected officials of POSHNET:
| Name | Organization / Establishment | Position |
| Rolando L. Sajot (Safety Officer) | Berong Nickel Corporation | President |
| Mr. Leo Marquinez (Health and Safety and Environmental Engineer) | JGC Philippines | Vice President |
| Ms. Emi Marjorie Gabinete (Lead Trainer) | Petrosphere Incorporated | Secretary |
| Mr. Joshua Bastistiana (Safety and Security Officer) | NCCC Mall Palawan | Treasurer |
| Mr. Ferdinand D. Guia (Chief Supervisor) | Coral Bay Nickel Corporation | Auditor |
| Barrister Carl Conde (Fire Officer 2) | Bureau of Fire Protection | Public Relations Officer |
| Mr. Jumel Malibago | Retail Industry | Representative |
| Mr. Bernard Balino | Mining Operations and Maintenance Industry | Representative |
| Mr. Alfredo Zabala | Government/Public Sector | Representative |
| Mr. Ludibon L. Golingay | Hospitality, Tourism and Food Industry | Representative |
| Mr. Stevenson Go | Power, Gas and Oil Industry | Representative |
| Mr. Brayner Allen Navergas | Construction Sector | Representative |
The oath-taking of the newly elected POSHNET Officers was presided by Chief Ruga. The officers immediately convened after the activity to set their goals and action plans for POSHNET. Labor and Employment Officer III Ms. Anna Dominique C. Magbanua facilitated the activity.
END/Renell G. Mayo