MANILA -- The Aboitiz Group has earmarked PHP900 million in assistance to help its team members cope with the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic following the announcement of a national state of calamity.
This amount covers the early release of the end-March salary and the 13th or 14th month pay of the Group’s over 11,000 team members across its strategic business units in power, banking and financial services, food, infrastructure, and land.
The Aboitiz Group will also cover Covid-19-related medical expenses of any affected team member.
In a statement Friday, Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer Sabin Aboitiz said there is a lot of anxiety and “during these trying times, we understand financial security is critical for all.”
Aboitiz said the best way the Group can support the government’s campaign against Covid-19 is to let its team members stay home.
“The Covid-19 pandemic remains at large, and we wish that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy in your homes,” Aboitiz said in a message sent to Aboitiz team members.
Malacañang and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) cited the Aboitiz Group as one of the top Philippine conglomerates that have extended benefits to its employees during the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.
The Aboitiz Group also provides regular updates to all its team members, especially on quarantine guidelines.
To safeguard the welfare of its team members, the Aboitiz Group has implemented work-from-home schemes in Luzon and Visayas.
The company will also be providing or paying for adequate communication access for team members who need it.
Online courses that build work-from-home competencies have been rolled out, and a team member donation and management program support for no-work, no-pay personnel were also launched.
The company also implemented reduced work hours in keeping with local curfews where applicable and provided adequate accommodation, food, and transportation for the skeletal workforce, particularly for its banking and financial services units UnionBank and CitySavings, who handle critical functions and have to report to work. (PR)
