"Let technology help."
"Let technology help."
By the time this article comes out, it would only be just a matter of hours before we feel the effect of the government’s declaration of a Code Red Sub-level 2 Alert regarding the COVID-19, which essentially places the whole of Metro Manila under community quarantine, the primary of which is restricting travel to and from the metropolis.
Since we have yet to be provided with the details of the declaration and how the government intends to provide relief for those who will be affected, it’s a good thing two of our lawmakers have already come out with proposals to mitigate its effect, particularly on the economic and education fronts.
As workers and business enterprises would surely feel the brunt of an economic slowdown following the quarantine, Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Rep. Jericho Nograles is proposing the full implementation Republic Act 11165, otherwise know as the "Telecommuting Act.”
Telecommuting refers to a work from an alternative workplace with the use of telecommunications and/or computer technologies.
According to Nograles, the COVID-19 is already causing immeasurable effects not only on the country's economy but of the entire global community. The only way to fight back is to ensure that productivity will not grind to a halt and basic services are still delivered even in the event of a large-scale lockdown.
Nograles said that public offices and private corporations should now consider telecommuting as envisioned by RA 11165 to ensure that the country will survive the onslaught of the COVID-19 virus on the global economy.
Under RA 11165, an employer in private sector may offer a telecommuting program to its employees on a voluntary basis, and upon such terms and conditions as they may mutually agree upon.
The law also provides that "such terms and conditions shall not be less than the minimum labor standards set by law, and shall include compensable work hours, minimum number of work hours, overtime, rest days, and entitlement to leave benefits."
By resorting to telecommuting, businesses will run as usual and its workers will have to stay employed and paid, thus, minimizing the effects of the quarantine.
However, not all business and workers stand to benefit from the telecommuting program as some industries still require the physical presence of their workers.
As such, this corner is proposing the adopting of the Italian solution of suspending payments for mortgages and utility bills for at least a month or until the quarantine is lifted.
For his part, as classes will have to remain suspended until April 12, Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas is proposing continuing schooling through online education.
By shifting to online learning, Vargas says the risk of the virus spreading throughout the community is greatly minimized as it reduces human-to-human contact between school personnel and the students.
At the same time, Vargas also appealed to school administrators to conduct disinfection activities in all their facilities. He also expressed support for the postponement of graduation and moving up ceremonies as an additional precautionary measure.
With the rising number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, Vargas encouraged everyone to promote and observe better hygiene practices and be responsive to any circumstances which may arise.