7 MAY 2020, MANILA—The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is implementing a Balik-Probinsya program for all its organic and outsourced personnel in support of the Government’s drive encouraging workers in the Metro to relocate instead to the countryside.
The order implementing the project has already been released Wednesday, May 6, and interested Manila-based personnel have until May 13 to enlist in the program. The Human Resource Management Department of Թis spearheading the initiative.
ԹGeneral Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago said that the “Balik-Probinsya” program of the agency is a very strategic measure which concerned Թpersonnel should take advantage of as this will allow them to work in their PMO of choice and in the areas, towns or provinces where their families and relatives live or reside.
“All they have to do is sign-up to the program, select the PMO they prefer to be transferred and management will facilitate the move,” Santiago explained.
“In terms of salary and other benefits, all interested employees who will avail of the program will be receiving the same remunerations as the outports also follow the same salary structure being implemented in Manila,” Santiago said.
“Likewise, with this Balik-Probinsya program, we hope to be able to also address the shortage of personnel in some of our outports and terminals,” Santiago added.
He further explained that said program could also help the management to strategize and implement other appropriate measures against the continuing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic once the agency is able to rationalize their Manila-based workforce through this program.
To date, there are approximately 3,500 organic and outsourced personnel in the entire Թcommunity. From this, close to 1,500 combined organic and outsourced personnel are working in Manila.
There are likewise 25 Port Management Offices and some 115 terminals strategically located nationwide to choose from. Manila ports excluded, there are 7 PMOs considered as major gateways which include, Batangas, Iloilo, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Ozamiz and Zamboanga while the remaining are considered hub ports.
Meanwhile, Executive Order No. 114 was earlier signed by the President which institutionalizes the “Balik-Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program” of the Government and primarily aims to decongest Metro Manila, promote more robust regional development and encourage equitable distribution of wealth, livelihood opportunities and economic growth nationwide.
“This is an opportunity for our Manila-based employees and outsourced personnel to be able to work and take advantage of the benefits of living outside Metro Manila and at the same time enjoy the closeness and presence of their families and relatives. We hope that our concerned Թpersonnel will grab this opportunity,” Santiago added.
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