The Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) advised employees to make personal safety and security their principal concern when deciding to report for work during inclement weather.

 

“Our top priority is the safety of our employees, their families, and the communities we operate from,” said Benedict Hernandez, BPAP president and CEO. “The Office of the President earlier today declared August 7 a no-work day due to floods and typhoons, and IT-BPO employees who cannot safely travel to work are encouraged to remain home for the day.

 

“Those who desire to work should coordinate travel arrangements with their companies, as circumstances vary from company to company,” he said.

 

IT-BPO employees reporting to work are entitled to a 30% premium on basic pay according to Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz. “If a worker or employer works,” she said, “the employee is entitled to premium pay.”

 

“Our employees over the years have shown tremendous commitment to our industry and their employers,” Benedict said. “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.

 

“History shows that our employees and our industry have always responded professionally and exceptionally to natural calamities and other challenges. This instance will be no different,” he said.

 

In 2011, the Philippines’ IT-BPO industry generated more than $11 billion in revenue and employed almost 640,000 Filipinos. By 2016, it is expected to grow to $25 billion in annual revenue and employ 1.3 million, according to an industry road map. — BPAP