70:30 hybrid work model proposed in the Philippines

This recommendation was made by the Advisory Council of Experts (ACE), a private sector advisory group.

Jose Maria “Joey” Concepcion III, Go Negosyo founder and ACE convenor, said, “My own view is that I would like everybody to work in the office, we have to learn to live life. There are exemptions, so we have to balance it, so our group came up with a 70:30 work ratio.”

Concepcion said the return to the office would support growth as the population learns to live with the virus.

He was even optimistic that the domestic economy could still grow this year despite the weak peso and soaring inflation. While the weak peso could mean some Filipinos losing a bit, he said that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can benefit from the strong dollar and plow back their gains by investing in the country, sending their kids to school, and starting a business. 

READ: The Philippines faces loss of IT talent if WFH scrapped

The private sector is pushing for the full reopening and going back to normal activities to sustain growth, including advocating for non-mandatory wearing of face masks to support the tourism sector, particularly. 

By making facemask wearing optional, Concepcion said, this would send a strong signal to tourists that they are welcome to visit the Philippines, according to Manila Bulletin.