The Aboitiz Group has allotted P900 million in assistance to help its team members cope with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) pandemic.
The amount will cover the following: 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.
This will also shoulder COVID-19 related medical expenses of any affected team member.
Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sabin M. Aboitiz admits there is a lot of anxiety as “during these trying times, we understand financial security is critical for all.”
“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) has acknowledged Aboitiz Group as one of the top Philippine companies that have provided financial aid to its employees during the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.
“Given that the Palace considers this current situation as a time for solidarity, it also appreciates most of these companies for stepping up to the challenge through their significant donations to various entities which are at the front of this battle. We can only hope that other businesses will follow suit within their means,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said.
“My sincerest gratitude to the large companies who heeded my appeal to provide their workers full payment of their salary for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine, without using up their available leaves, advance payment of 13th/14th month pay and other financial relief,” DOLE Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said.
The conglomerate also enforced a work-from-home scheme in Luzon and Visayas, while its banking and financial service units have implemented a skeletal workforce with reduced work hours.
For Aboitiz Construction, project sites still on normal operations observe strict precautionary measures.