THE Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) calls for the calibrated opening of the manufacturing sector and vowed to implement measures to curb the spread of the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) once they resume operations.
Jesus Arranza, FPI chairman, in a statement recommended the continued manufacture of essential goods such as food, medicines, and health protection products and allow their supply chain to also operate.
But Arranza noted the need to resume manufacturing of non-essential goods as this stimulate demand.
“Once manufactur(ing) reopens, it will jumpstart the economic movement of practically all of its entire supply chain that will save the government and companies from subsidizing affected (workers) 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,” Arranza said.
He said once the enhanced community quarantine is lifted, there will necessarily be a great demand for practically all products that, however, may not be available if the manufacturing sector is not allowed to operate immediately.
FPI supports the implementation of strict conditions in allowing manufacturing firms willing to operate to restart their factories.
Arranza said disinfection and sanitation must be made in all facilities and equipments before the start of operations.
Employees who will voluntarily work should be housed within the compound or near the factory or be given dedicated transportation.
They will also must be tested with a legitimate testing kit for COVID-19 at the expense of the company. Only those tested negative will be allowed to return to work. ordination with the IATF and the company to attain this end.
FPI said all employees must be provided with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) during the operation and at all times to or from the dormitory outside the company.
The workers will also practise social distancing inside the facilities.
These companies’ supply chain such as hardwares, groceries, logistics, stores, among others, should also be allowed to operate in order to support the continued operation of the factory.
“By its nature, almost all manufacturing plants are located in an isolated or secured area for purposes of control and security reasons. Hence, if they are allowed to operate, the necessary safety net or control to prevent the spread of COVI-19 is already in place, compared to crowded wet markets that are presently allowed to still open,” Arranza said.
