The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) emphasize that its member companies operate within the bounds of existing Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regulations, circulars, and labor advisories, even during extraordinary events such as typhoons or other natural calamities.
In a statement, IBPAP clarified that during the recent weather disturbance, companies implemented their respective business continuity plans to ensure the safety of employees while maintaining essential client operations.
The Memorandum Circular from the Office of the President on the suspension of government work and classes clearly provided that private sector work suspension would be left to the discretion of employers.
Guided by this directive, IBPAP member companies continued operations as their global clients expected of them, doing much more than “business as usual” for their employees.
IBPAP further stressed that management discretion always placed primacy on the health and safety of their employees and went beyond standard company processes and practices under normal conditions.
Internal risk assessments and business imperatives considered, employers ensured that employees who opted to work onsite were provided additional benefits and conveniences while in the office premises. In foreseen work disturbances due to typhoons or extreme weather, employers offered flexibility to work onsite or remotely, according to their employees’ preference and as conditions permitted.
“IBPAP has long championed work flexibility and telecommuting, having lobbied for these measures since 2021 and continuing to promote hybrid work arrangements as a sustainable model for both productivity and employee welfare. This advocacy, reinforced in our ongoing engagements with the Department of Labor and Employment, including a recent meeting with Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma and IT-BPM industry leaders, reflects our shared commitment to protect workers while sustaining the country’s global competitiveness,” the statement added.
The IT-BPM industry supports mission-critical operations for global clients across healthcare, telecommunications, banking, and other essential sectors.
The ability to sustain operations even during emergencies is part of the industry’s responsibility to both its employees and its clients, ensuring continuity of livelihoods and services that millions around the world depend on. IBPAP reiterates that worker welfare remains at the heart of this industry.
“Our members are guided by the principle that safety and compliance must go hand in hand with operational resilience, and they welcome the inspection of DOLE and recognized regulatory authorities to showcase established compliance measures, including guidelines and internal communications to ensure employee safety under all circumstances. We continue to work closely with DOLE and other government partners to ensure clear, fair, and factbased communication that strengthens both employee protection and investor confidence,” the IBPAP statement concluded.
