Coverage of Exemptible Establishments
- Establishments with no nursing or lactating employee.
- Establishments with no pregnant employee.
- Exemption only valid if no female clients visit or transact with the establishment.
Application Process for Exemption
- Application is filed with the nearest DOLE Field Office having jurisdiction.
- Requirements include an accomplished application form signed by authorized personnel and, for renewals, a copy of the previous exemption certificate.
- Submission can be via personal service, courier, registered mail, or email, with two copies required for certain submission modes.
DOLE's Action on Applications
- DOLE Regional Offices must act within 15 working days.
- Verification and validation visits/interviews may be conducted.
Issuance and Validity of Certificate of Exemption
- Certificate issued if application is complete and eligible.
- Certificate must be displayed conspicuously within the establishment.
- Valid for two years and renewable.
- Certificate may be revoked if exemption conditions change.
Handling of Disapproved Applications
- Reasons and recommendations must be indicated and application returned.
- DOLE assists establishments to comply by setting up lactation stations or adopting equivalency guides.
- Consultation with workers to develop breastfeeding-supportive workplace policies.
- Warning of sanctions under RA 10028 for failure to establish or observe lactation provisions.
Monitoring, Reporting, and Record-Keeping
- DOLE regional offices maintain records of establishments with exemption certificates.
- Continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with guidelines.
- Regular reporting to the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns.
Review and Effectivity of Guidelines
- Guidelines to be reviewed within two to three years.
- Guidelines take effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.