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FPI urges reopening of factories

By Kris Crismundo

April 21, 2020, 6:36 pm

<p><em>PNA file photo</em></p>

PNA file photo

MANILA – The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) has asked the government to allow manufacturers, both producers of essential and non-essential goods, to resume their operations to support the economy and government resources.
 
In its recommendation letter submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) dated last April 20, the FPI said preventive action shall be made immediately “to stop the continued bleeding of these resources of both the public and private sector.”
 
It added that once the manufacturing sector reopens, it would save the government and companies from subsidizing the affected people since they would be earning once they return to their jobs.
 
Allowing factories to operate again will also prepare the market with supplies once the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is lifted. 
 
The surge in demand for manufactured goods is expected after the quarantine period, the business group added.
 
Even under the ECQ period, manufacturers of essential goods have been allowed to continue their operations.
 
However, the FPI also recommended allowing the reopening of factories of producers of non-essential goods but with some conditions.
 
Aside from regular disinfection and sanitation and observing physical distancing, the FPI recommended not to allow workers to return to their respective houses to avoid exposure to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
 
Manufacturers of non-essential goods shall provide lodging units, preferably within the compound of the factory or near the site, for workers who will voluntarily return to work. 
 
If the housing unit is outside the factory compound, the company should provide a vehicle that would transport workers from the dormitory to work and vice versa.
 
The FPI added that the company shall coordinate with the IATF to subject workers to Covid-19 testing. 
 
Only those who would test negative can return to work.
 
“Once a manufacturer reopens, it will jumpstart the economic movement of practically all of its entire supply chain. That will save the government and companies from subsidizing these affected people who will now be earning salaries and income, thereby allowing both private and the government to focus more of these resources to the more pressing matters it is facing,” the FPI said. (PNA)
 

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