The effects of the COVID-19 outbreak have not been the same for all. While others can work from home with regular compensation, there are those whose finances are at risk as their income streams have come to a halt. This is the case of Jhun Prudenciado, Aboitiz Foundation’s utility staff, whose primary concern, like many, is where to find the means to feed a family with five kids including a one-year-old baby.
“Mahirap ang sitwasyon namin. ‘No work, no pay’ kami. Nangamba kami saan kukunin ang pera at pagkain pati na ang gatas at mga gamit ng mga bata. Wala kaming naitabing pagkain nung nagsimula ang community quarantine. [Our situation is difficult. We are on ‘no work, no pay’. We worry about where to get money and food, including the baby’s milk and our children’s needs. We were not able to save food when the community quarantine was first announced],” shared ‘Kuya Jhun’, as he is called at the office.
Being aware of the plight of utility personnel, Aboitiz team members started a fundraiser within days of the ECQ’s implementation and collected PHP1.3 million that will cover two months’ salary and provide basic needs.
Maraming, maraming salamat po sa buong Aboitiz family lalo na sa Aboitiz Foundation na hindi po ako pinapabayaan, na laging nandiyan po para sa akin at sa aking pamilya. Salamat po sa inyo. [Thank you to the whole Aboitiz family, especially to the Aboitiz Foundation who never neglects us. Thank you for always being there for me and my family.]
– Jhun Prudenciado
As part of Aboitiz Foundation, Jhun continues to assist in the COVID-19 response efforts and handles the inventory of medical supplies being donated to various institutions nationwide. And like all other team members involved in the response and relief efforts, Jhun is provided with the appropriate hazard pay, necessary safety equipment, and transportation to and from where he needs to be.
“Nandito po ako ngayon sa warehouse para sa kukuha ng donations. Iniisip ko po na ang trabaho ko ay tulong ko na din sa mga pasyente ng pandemya [I am now here in the warehouse to get the donations. I am thinking that my work is also my way of helping those patients in the pandemic.],” Kuya Jhun said.
Being the family breadwinner, Julius Roa, who is among AboitizPower’s support personnel, was also relieved of his fears with the financial assistance that will help him, his parents, and siblings take care of primary needs.
Maraming, maraming salamat sa Aboitiz at lalong lalo na po sa mga empleyado ng Aboitiz dahil sila po ang tumutulong sa oras na kagipitan. Inaalala din nila kami at malimit tinatanong ang sitwasyon ngayon dahil ng lockdown [Thank you to the Aboitiz team members, especially at this time in need. They remember us and ask how we are because of the lockdown.]
– Julius Roa
Despite the uncertainty of our situation, the Aboitiz Group commits to prioritizing safety and well-being of all team members — this includes all the hardworking utility personnel who take care of the day-to-day details at the office. This is our core value of Responsibility at work when it counts the most.
