WITH the transition to Alert Level 1, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is encouraging further on-site work setup to fuel consumer spending that can help propel the economy towards recovery.
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, in a radio interview on Monday, stressed, however, that the work-from-home arrangement is still an option for the companies and their employees.
The DTI chief said employees returning to offices will boost business activities, especially now that establishments are allowed 100-percent operational capacity.
“That is why we are encouraging them to return to offices; it is part of reviving the economy. More people who are outside can go and make purchases in stores, selling fast-moving consumer goods and restaurants around the offices,” he explained, partly in Filipino.
His call is in line with the recently released amended guidelines for Alert Level System by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Mana-gement of Emerging Infectious Diseases, which eased restrictions in Metro Manila and 38 areas to Alert Level 1 starting March 1.
“All private offices and workplaces, including public and private construction sites, may operate at full 100-percent capacity [consistent with national issuances on vaccination requirements for on-site work]. However, they may continue to provide flexible and alternative work arrangements as deemed appropriate based on function or individual risk,” the guidelines for Alert Level 1 read.
Biz sector hails move
In an interview with the BusinessMirror, Makati Business Club Executive Director Francisco Alcuaz Jr. agreed that on-site work will aid the retail industry, restaurants, transportation and other businesses in recouping revenue losses.
“The business sector welcomes the continued lowering of Covid-19 restrictions, giving many businesses and workers more flexibility to boost productivity and promote work-life balance,” he said.
“On-site and remote work both have good and less good effects, and people have found new ways of working and living,” Alcuaz added. “Smart companies and bosses will find a way to navigate on-site and remote work, at least for some jobs.”
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President George T. Barcelon said he agrees with employees reporting physically, stressing the need to conduct rapid antigen testing for safety purposes.
Barcelon, also a chairman at Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc., said that employees need to have “personal responsibility” as well and have themselves tested if they are manifesting Covid-19 symptoms.
While on-site work can help boost the economy, Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) President Alfredo Pascual said it also addresses the mental health of the workers.
“Allowing people to return to their offices and workplaces will benefit more than just the economy. It will also address mental health issues caused by prolonged isolation and a lack of regular face-to-face interactions,” he told the BusinessMirror.
Still, the MAP official noted that hybrid work arrangements have proven beneficial for workers in this pandemic, noting that the current guidelines allow the continuation of such practice.
“We must recognize the undeniable benefits of a hybrid setup in terms of cost savings, reduced need for home-office travel, and improved quality of life for people such as working mothers. We believe that the hybrid work model is one of the pandemic’s positive lessons,” Pascual said.
‘Just in time’
In a recent statement, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Maria A. Concepcion said easing the quarantine measures to Alert Level 1 “came just in time.”
“We are just coming out of the worst of the pandemic and straight into rising commodity prices worldwide. To have remained closed would have created a perfect storm for our MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises),” the Go Negosyo founder said.
He noted that the current conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been pushing up prices in several products, notably wheat and oil.
These price hikes will take a toll on the operations of the MSMEs, he said, stressing that having more restrictions was not an option as it would be an additional burden for them.
“With more establishments being allowed to operate at full capacity and now intrazonal and interzonal travel, this will greatly aid mobility. With greater mobility will come more economic activity,”Concepcion said.