Amid Yolanda's wrath: Bizmen put workers' safety first over profit

CEBU, Philippines - Most establishments closed and suspended their operations as preemptive measures against the super typhoon Yolanda yesterday, with Cebu businesses expressing more concern for their employees over probable profit and property losses. 

Yolanda entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility Thursday dawn and made landfall yesterday morning.  Among the areas placed under signal no. 3 as of Thursday afternoon include Cebu City and northern Cebu.

This prompted the provincial and local governments of Cebu to announce suspension of work in both public and private sector yesterday while all companies under their jurisdiction had to comply to operate only for a half  day or close earlier than usual.

Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Philip Tan said in an interview that while the work suspension remain discretionary among business owners, almost all of them decided to conform to avoid possible injuries or fatalities.

He said that even the private sector are sensible on not risking lives of their labor force since manpower is considered to be the one of the greatest assets of a company.

He added that any loss brought by any natural calamity will affect both employees and business owners.

"Life is more important. Bahala na na ang property basta ma-secure lang ang mga kinabuhi sa mga empleyado. We cannot predict how it will affect us," he said.

Tan said that while banks and government agencies are anticipated not to work during these times, companies such as malls and commercial establishments can still opt to make their employees work although it is anticipated that almost all of businesses will do the same as the former.

He also said that even in his own company, Wellmade Motors and Development Corporation, closed earlier at 3p.m. last Thursday to secure the lives of his 130 employees.

He cited that 200 MCCI members, who could have hired about 2,000 workers collectively, also did the same.

"We have to take it as it is since it is not controlled by humans. What we have to do is prepare and as we can see, we are becoming more prepared now," he said.

While businesses could eventually resume after the typhoon, he said that some companies may need to be able to address any untoward effects if they have incurred any damages thereafter. 

Tan further urged the public to continue praying that Yolanda will not badly damage the country.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Lito Maderazo echoed the same sentiments as Tan, saying that safety should not be compromised especially of the people working for their employers.

"This is something new to all of us. We will never know what it takes. The weather bureau may predict how strong it is but we will never know what it brings," he said.

He also lauded how companies have exerted effort towards disaster preparedness, acknowledging the value of lives over monetary concerns.

"All companies have prepared for this. Everybody has to. They recognize how important for their people to go home to their families and prepare. We cannot put in economic equivalent to the welfare of our people," he told The FREEMAN.

Maderazo, who is also the president and chief executive officer of Mactan Rock Industries, Inc, decided to suspend work for those 50 employees working in the administration and support group last Thursday afternoon and yesterday.

However, he said for those assigned in the operation of the 38 water plants across the country have to continue working to ensure the constant supply of households nationwide.

"You cannot stop operating those plants or else the supply of water will be affected in many households," he said.

Around 150 workers will be working in three shifts to make sure the 24-hour service of the national water solutions provider.

He cited that those who worked yesterday were provided with appropriate benefits, medical insurances and double compensation. Emergency response teams were also provided to look after them.

Maderazo said that the scenario is the same with other companies engaged into utility, power and telecommunications which are all considered as critical needs of the people especially during calamities.

He shared that the 700 members of CCCI have also come prepared for the effects of the super typhoon that is projected to leave the country by Sunday.

"The chamber has conducted a text blast reminding them on their efforts towards disaster preparedness and informing them that CCCI is on standby for any of their concerns when the calamity strikes," he said.

For his part, Cebu Business Club president Dondi Joseph said that safety remains as the main concern of business owners in times of typhoon.

"No one is thinking of profit right now but more on the safety of the employees and their families and of course, the employers' own families as well," he said in a text message.

He added that Cebu is in unprecendented period of stress from the natural calamities and has raised a sprout of concern for the community," he said./JOB (FREEMAN)