BPOs may transfer equipment until March 20 for work-from-home set-up

Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies and export firms were given until March 20 to transfer equipment for a work-from-home arrangement of their employees amid the enhanced quarantine measures due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019).

This was announced on Wednesday through a memorandum circular signed byTrade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez, which was part of the detailed guidelines for the implementation of the enhanced quarantine.

According to the memo, “export and BPO companies shall be allowed to continue operations with a skeletal workforce, subject to strict observance of social distancing measures and provision of appropriate temporary accommodation arrangements or shuttle service within the immediate vicinity of the workplace.”

“Where applicable, a work-from-home arrangement will also be encouraged,” it added.

In setting-up the work-from-home schedule, employees of BPO firms are allowed to transfer necessary equipment until March 20.

The same deadline will be applied for companies that will make arrangements with hotels for the basic lodging of their employees.

“Personnel of BPOs and export–oriented establishments, setting up the foregoing arrangements shall be allowed to travel subject to presentation of proof of employment, address of employer and residence,” the memo said.

The Philippines is one of the top destinations of BPO firms, employing over a million workers. —LDF, GMA News