MANILA — An official of the Chamber of Thrift Banks (CTB) said measures are now being undertaken by their members as the government implements additional measures against the further spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
In a statement, CTB Executive Director Suzanne Feliz said they are following the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) directive to adopt and implement response plans and mechanisms to protect their employees and the public while providing financial services.
“Our members remain vigilant by constantly monitoring and gathering relevant information about Covid-19, both locally and globally, and continue to assess the impact of the virus outbreak on their response strategies,” she said.
Feliz said CTB members have activated their respective business continuity plan (BCP) program “depending on the announcement of the government”; have identified departments that will be operating on skeletal force and those that have personnel who will work from home; have identified alternative areas to work from once a lockdown is implemented in an area; and have established a communication program that will handle customers' concerns and queries.
BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier has urged BSP-supervised institutions and operators of payment system (OPS) to adopt response plans and measures like alternate work arrangement or remote access capabilities to ensure the safety of their personnel and the public as Covid-19 cases continue to rise.
“The current situation warrants subject institutions to remain vigilant by constantly monitoring and gathering relevant information on this epidemic, both locally and globally, and continuously assessing the impact of their response strategies,” she said.
Fonacier said advisories and/or guidelines issued by local health authorities should be strictly followed. (PNA)
