MAP welcomes move to allow workshops, conferences, trainings in GCQ areas to spur economy

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) on Friday welcomed the government’s move to further ease restrictions in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) to further spur economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Friday, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. announced that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) — the government's policy-making body in COVID-19 response — has allowed the conduct of workshops, trainings, seminars, and other related events in GCQ areas at 30% capacity.

Metro Manila, Batangas, Iloilo City, Tacloban City, Lanao del Sur, Iligan and Davao City are under GCQ; while the rest of the country is under modified GCQ.

“We welcome the initiative of the IATF to allow physical attendance of participants in conferences, seminars, workshops to the extent of 30% of the capacity of the venue,” MAP president Francis Lim said in a statement.

“The move will help boost the economy. It is consistent with the government’s desire to return to normalcy. It will lend a helping hand to  the hotel and accommodation industry, which is highly impacted by the pandemic,” he said.

Aside from workshops, trainings and seminars, also allowed with up to 30% capacity are congresses, conferences, board meetings, colloquia, conclaves, symposia, and consumer trade shows.

“We urge the venue and the organizers to put in place a system to ensure that the Seven Commandments for health protocols are strictly observed,” Lim said.

MAP is a 68-years-old management organization whose over 1,000 members represent a cross-section of chief executive officers, chief operating officers, and the other top management practitioners from the largest local and multinational companies operating in the Philippines.

MAP also counts some top management educators and government officials as its members. -MDM, GMA News