DTI chief do not encourage WFH in Alert Level 1 areas, IBPAP disagrees
The continuation of the work-from-home model is not being encouraged in areas under Alert Level 1 by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez.
During a cabinet meeting, Lopez explained that on-site work could stimulate spending and help businesses — especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) — which have suffered losses due to the pandemic.
However, IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines President and CEO Jack Madrid said that the outsourcing sector could sustain its growth if it maintains a flexible work arrangement.
In an interview with CNN Philippines, Madrid disclosed that despite the pandemic, the industry had an eight per cent increase in headcount and 12% increase in revenue in 2021. The same trends are expected to be seen in the IT-BPO sector this year.
IBPAP is pushing to extend the remote work incentives policy until September to ensure smooth transition towards this new work setup.
A total of 39 areas in the Philippines have been recently put under Alert Level due to the steady drop in new COVID-19 cases.
