BPAP to set up workers' safety plan during calamities

Manila, Philippines -  The Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) is working closely with the government to set up an industry-wide response to ensure the safety of workers in time of calamity.

BPAP president and chief executive officer Benedict Hernandez said the industry would conduct a review of the industry’s response to the calamity to strengthen its efforts to prioritize and safeguard the well-being of the industry’s human resources. 

“We’ll continue to work closely with the government to ensure employee safety, enhance disaster preparedness, and mitigate service disruption. Our employees over the years have shown tremendous commitment to our industry and their employers,” Hernandez said.

He issued the statement after a large part of Luzon including Metro Manila was devastated by monsoon rains affecting the operations of information technology and business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) companies.

“We are equally committed to them. We’re not just thinking about today and tomorrow, we’re thinking about the next 10 years and beyond,” he added.

According to Hernandez, BPAP asked member companies to ensure that their affected employees not risk their safety when reporting for work during times of calamities such as typhoons.

“Our top priority is the safety of our employees, their families, and the communities we operate from,” he explained.

During the height of the monsoon rains, IT-BPOs implemented business continuity plans (BCP) which included provision of safe, shuttle transportation to employees.

 “Employees were alerted of transportation arrangements via sophisticated communication trees using SMS, email, online portals, dedicated support hotlines, and social networks of transportation arrangements. These systems also helped confirm employees were safe and prepared to come to work,” he said.

In many instances, he explained that employees used these systems to request assistance from their employers while their respective companies alerted private-sector and government rescue organizations when employees required urgent assistance.

In an initial survey conducted by BPAP late last week, other IT-BPOs reported similar initiatives, including monetary relief for affected employees consisting of interest-free loans, 13th-month pay advances, and outright grants.

According to Hernandez, employers and employees alike demonstrated resiliency and commitment in dealing with the impact of the severe weather disturbance.

 “Most IT-BPOs continued to deliver services despite the reduced workforce. Only a handful of IT-BPOs suspended operations for less than 24 hours. Even in those cases, critical service staffing was maintained,” Hernandez said.

BPAP serves as the one-stop information and advocacy gateway for the industry. With approximately 300 industry and support-industry members, including five associations, it plays a pivotal role in sustaining rapid growth of the IT-BPO and GIC industry by working to ensure an enduring supply of high quality labor, supporting service innovation, and providing country visibility.