While science has yet to find a way to stop the coronavirus pandemic, Vice President Leni Robredo called on employers to help in the fight against COVID-19 by using technology.

Robredo made the call in a speech she delivered during the virtual 41st National Conference of Employers, where she recognized how crucial technology is for companies’ response to the health crisis.

“As we face the challenges brought by the virus, the imperative becomes clear: Embrace technology in a way that manifests a world where no one is left behind. Harness it to build a better, fairer, and more equitable world,” she said.

“I hope that you continue to push the boundaries of how we can harness technology to reach more of our people, especially those who need our help the most,” she said.

The vice president said digital advancements have certainly been proven useful in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic both here and abroad.

Robredo cited the app-based platform being used for contact tracing in Baguio City, supercomputers to find a vaccine, and modern machines for the delivery of medical supplies in other countries.

“It (technology) has made it possible for us to stay connected even as the virus forces us to be physically apart. Many of us are working from home, leaping from one Zoom meeting to another. Soon our children will be doing the same, as online classes begin later this month,” she said.

Robredo said her office has also looked towards technology to bridge the gaps in the delivery of services like her e-market project for small vendors and tricycle drivers and donation drive for medical frontliners.

Almost five months into the community quarantine, some companies have already ceased operations and terminated employees, citing huge losses incurred due to the virus outbreak.

The new normal brought about by COVID-19 is changing many facets of businesses in the Philippines, among which is building their own digital strategies.

Although times are difficult, Robredo said employers should come together to overcome the challenges and help those in need.

“Our task is to pull together with the rest of society—with our communities, our leaders, our medical frontliners, and every Filipino—and focus all our energies in defeating the virus first,” she said.

“After all, we are here not just to do business, but to foster a world where our businesses can thrive. And that means nothing less than forging a fair, humane society, built upon the bedrock of inclusiveness, equitability, and justice,” she added.