Davao City: As Davao City steps up measures to stop the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19), Mayor Inday Sara Duterte on Monday told Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) in Davao City to practice lean workforce system or they will be closed indefinitely.
A lean workforce system can be done through a skeletal system and the work from home scheme so that physical or social distancing is observed.
This as Mayor Sara issued the latest directive – Executive Order No. 20 on additional guidelines in the implementation of community quarantine beginning from 5 a.m on Thursday, March 26, to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2020, unless further extended, modified or withdrawn.
In her latest issuance, Mayor Sara cited Memorandum 20-08 of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that provided options for the BPOs to remain open.
The first option is for BPOs to provide a skeletal workforce, strictly observing social distancing, appropriate temporary accommodation arrangements within the vicinity of their workplace, plus shuttle service.
“Sa ing-ani nga situation, mura sila og naka-quarantine (In a situation like this, they are like quarantined),” Mayor Sara said.
The second option is the work from home arrangement.
Mayor Sara emphasized the need for each BPO personnel to have personal headsets, microphones, and keyboard covers.
The conduct of regular handwashing breaks and disinfection in their establishments must also be followed.
Mayor Sara warned that if BPOs cannot follow the guidelines, they will be shut down.
She said this has been the recommendation of doctors working closely with the city government on Covid-19.
She clarified that she is cares for the plight of the people involved in the BPO industry and denied that the sector is being singled out.
As of Monday, 26 BPOs in the city have already been inspected by the DTI and the city government. CIO
