Solving the looming labor problems in Boracay
When Boracay is closed, at least 27,000 workers will lose their source of income for at least six months. More than a million family members will go hungry. Rentals and amortizations will be unpaid. Students can't pay tuition. Debts will not be amortized. It will be an economic disaster - not counting the indirect suppliers, logistics people, transport, etc.
Closing Boracay is a step in the right direction. The nation has to thank the president for such important step with far-reaching impact and implications. Rehabilitating one of our national tourism jewels - globally-acclaimed - and inculcating in the minds of our people that Boracay is not just about money but about our national sense of pride as Filipinos. It is also a strategic move to teach local government leaders how to protect and treasure their tourism areas. And to teach a very important lesson to businessmen that they have social responsibility to maintain our environment and instill discipline among their employees and guests on the beauty and sanitation of Boracay.
Such decision also entails heavy cost to investors and businessmen - losing millions in revenues - and to the workers who shall lose their income and livelihood, based on "No Work, No Pay" principle. I have clients doing business in Boracay. And these are my advices to them: First, the six-month period should be charged to the workers accumulated leave credits (unused sick and vacation leaves, service incentive leaves, and other leave credits) so they can earn even when they do not have work. Second, if they exhausted their leave credits, management should use the period in doing repairs and rehabilitation of facilities. Those employees who have skills in electricity, plumbing, carpentry, gardening, and landscaping should be tapped and given first priority.
Third, managerial and supervisory staff should undergo technical and behavioral training to learn new skills and imbibe additional knowledge during the closure. Managers should be sent to higher courses in strategic planning, problem solving, business and finance. HR staff should take courses on people management in talent acquisition, total rewards, organizational justice, and learning and people development. Supervisors should be trained on employee discipline and grievance management. There should be full use of the six-month lull to equip the Boracay human capital with new paradigms, perspectives, skills, and habits. These will empower people and organizations in more strategic management of businesses.
Of course, the topmost priority is livelihood. The president should form immediately a JOINT TASK FORCE BORACAY to be led by a senior Malacañang official who has competence, commitment and clout to make other agencies cooperate without boundaries and cross-functional delineations. There must be a budget to be approved by Congress so that officials shall not be charged by the Ombudsman of technical malversation. The agencies which must be in the Task Force are the DOLE, DILG, DOF, NEDA, DOT, DENR, and other related agencies.
Boracay is a matter of national concern; a problem of utmost importance and urgency. It should take the whole nation to address it.
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