TSU continues proactive measures vs COVID-19  

The Tarlac State University Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Committee held a meeting today, March 19, at the TSU Main AVR to discuss further actions of the university relative to COVID-19 and to prepare the university response plan in case the pandemic worsens.

The 49 rooms of the TSU hotel located at Lucinda Extension Campus will be prepared for use as self-quarantine facilities for identified PUIs/PUMs among TSU teaching and non-teaching personnel and their immediate family members if hospitals can no longer accommodate them.

The new National Service Training Program building, and the Academic Building located at Lucinda Campus will also be readied as additional quarantine areas.

A skeletal workforce was also identified to continue with the vital operations of the university such as payroll, medical, maintenance, and security services, among others.

However, thermal scanning and sanitizing using alcohol will still be implemented upon entering the TSU front gate as part of its emergency protocols. Disinfecting of areas and offices used by skeletal workforce will be continuously implemented.

TSU vehicles will be available for TSU personnel who are part of the skeletal workforce. They will also be given certification to be presented at checkpoints.

Through President Mallari, the Commission on Audit and Department of Budget and Management were consulted regarding the payment of salaries of itemed and non-itemed teaching and non-teaching personnel. This to ensure that all disbursements done during the national emergency are given within legal boundaries.

“Ako, ang main concern ko actually, are our job orders and lecturers because they are 'no work, no pay,'” President Mallari said.

“Last Tuesday (March 17), inumpisahan na pong gawin ang payroll, pati [sa] mga JOs, pati mga lecturer. Allowed or not, ready ang payroll natin,” she added.

As of this writing, COA gave guidelines on the payment of salaries for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine.

The Medical Services Unit initiated the provision of Vitamin C and medicine for its TSU personnel-clients and the skeletal workforce, particularly the front liners. President Mallari ordered the replenishment of medical supplies.

The Procurement Unit also readied the cleaning materials needed for the sanitizing and disinfecting measures of the university.

Dr. Rommel Hernandez, University Medical Doctor and Health Officer, updated the committee on the COVID-19 status of Tarlac and the increased possibility of local transmission.

He also urged the committee to issue health guidelines, not just COVID-19 precautionary measures, to the TSU community to ensure sustainability of healthy lifestyle for the month-long community quarantine.

Furthermore, he asked the committee to inform the TSU community to support and follow the national government protocol to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The university will also study the adjustment of the academic calendar to catch up with missed lessons.