Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Wendel Avisado shared the agency’s efforts to ensure that it continues to perform well in promoting the effective management of government resources amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, while also prioritizing the health and well-being of its employees.
That is why the DBM has adopted a modified working arrangement so it can continue to perform its crucial functions while also maintaining proper health protocols and encouraging employee wellness.
“We are all vulnerable to this pandemic, subalit ang mahalaga ay nakakapag-implement tayo ng mga sistema na kung saan hangga’t maaari maiwasan natin na magkaroon ng problema ang ating mga kapwa empleyado,” according to Secretary Avisado.
At present, the DBM observes a 50-50 working arrangement wherein 50 percent are under skeletal work arrangement while the other half is under work-from-home arrangement as prescribed under Department Order No. 12., s. 2020. This system reduces the number of people present at the workplace while also promoting social distancing—an important precaution to prevent the spread of the virus.
“Para po hindi lahat nasa loob ng opisina bawat araw. Dalawang linggo yan, pagkatapos ng dalawang lingo, yung naka skeletal work arrangement, sila naman ang mag work from home, yung naka work from home, sila naman ang skeletal work arrangement, palitan,” Avisado explained.
However, this rule is in exception of employees who are below 21 years old and those who are 60 years old and above, as well as those with immunodeficiency, comorbidities or other health risks, like pregnant women.
The identified vulnerable employees will remain under a work-from-home arrangement.
The budget chief also notes that this system applies not only to the main office of the department but trickles down to all DBM offices across the country.
“All over the Philippines po, yan ang aming working arrangement…Efficient naman gawa ng nasa bahay ka nga, meron kang ginagawa related to your work. At the same time, nakakatulong ka sa pag-iwas ng pagkalat ng virus,” he said.
Avisado also emphasized that aside from employing a 50-50 work arrangement, the DBM is also undertaking all necessary health and medical protocols prescribed by the government such as the wearing of face masks, observation of proper social distancing as well as the regular sanitation of all buildings, structures and motor vehicles, among others.
Despite this “new normal” arrangement, the DBM commits to fulfill its mandate to promote the sound, efficient and effective management and utilization of government resources while also prioritizing the health and safety of DBM employees from COVID-19.