TSU resumes work under the “new normal” context  

With the implementation of the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in Tarlac Province last May 16, Tarlac State University has resumed its operations and services through a skeleton workforce and other alternative work arrangements on May 18, 2020 through the TSU Memorandum Order No. 22, s. 2020.

The university offices and units have adopted some or a combination of the recommended arrangements from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) such as work-from-home, skeleton workforce, and the four-day (compressed) workweek, which the university has since been implementing.

Aside from this, TSU ensured its workers with adequate support mechanisms such as provision of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and reasonable transportation facilities.

Shuttle services are deployed at specific pick up points across the province from Tuesdays to Fridays, and all offices are provided with alcohol-sanitizers, face masks, and face shields.

TSU-provided face shields are products of the Face Shield Taskforce who successfully made 3,276 units as of May 13, surpassing their April target of 1,000 pieces.

General guidelines are also being followed where regular disinfection of buildings, offices, and grounds is maintained. Offices have also been modified to guarantee physical distancing.

Floors are marked with reminder stickers in several areas within the university to control the flow of people, and plastic cover barriers called “office shields” have been installed in receiving units. File holders have also been placed outside of offices to serve as “pigeon boxes” for incoming and outgoing documents.

TSU is also strictly implementing the minimum health standards protocol such as wearing of face masks at all times (which includes the No facemask, No entry policy), and taking of body temperature upon entry along with sanitation measures.

Fifty-two (52) foot-operated handwash areas with soap dispensers and 101 alcohol-sanitizer dispensers have been installed in strategic locations in the university, including the extensions campuses, that bear appropriate signages for safety.

All of these will be in effect until the duration of the State of National Emergency or until lifted by President Rodrigo Duterte.

These are in compliance with the CSC Memorandum Circular No. 10, s.2020 or the “Revised Interim Guidelines for Alternative Work Arrangements and Support Mechanisms for Workers in the Government during the Period of State of National Emergency due to COVID-19 Pandemic” where it covers government institutions including State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). [Jodie Andrea G. Pangilinan]