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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Flexible work seen to ease EDSA rehabilitation impact on businesses, workers—DOLE

Flexible work seen to ease EDSA rehabilitation impact on businesses, workers—DOLE

Published May 31, 2025 12:33 pm  |  Updated May 31, 2025 02:04 pm

At A Glance

  • DOLE pushes flexible work to ease impact of EDSA rehabilitation.
  • Telecommuting, alternative setups seen to sustain business operations.
  • ECOP backs move, eyes incentives for firms adopting flexible schemes.
  • Consultations ongoing to craft sector-specific work arrangements.
(Photo:DOLE)
(Photo:DOLE)
Wider adoption of flexible work arrangements may help sustain business operations and safeguard employee welfare ahead of the scheduled rehabilitation of EDSA, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the agency is urging employers to adopt alternative work schemes, including telecommuting, to preserve productivity and reduce potential disruptions caused by major infrastructure works on Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare.
He pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the viability of remote work across various sectors and that similar approaches may now be utilized to cushion the effects of anticipated mobility challenges.
While remote setups may not be practical for all industries—particularly in construction and manufacturing—Laguesma said ongoing consultations with employer groups are underway to explore work arrangements tailored to specific operational needs.
The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) has expressed support for the initiative and is pushing for incentive-based mechanisms to encourage businesses to implement flexible work where feasible.
Laguesma emphasized that a one-size-fits-all strategy would not be effective, stressing the importance of tripartite discussions among government, employers, and labor representatives to craft responsive and balanced policies.
He reiterated DOLE’s commitment to promoting work arrangements that uphold both business continuity and workers’ rights, especially in view of expected traffic bottlenecks once rehabilitation efforts commence.
Officials also underscored the need for clear policy guidance from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to assist stakeholders in navigating the evolving work landscape amid what has been described as a worsening traffic “crisis” in the National Capital Region.

Related Tags

flexible work arrangements telecommuting EDSA rehab DOLE
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