The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) held a webinar on “How to Thrive in a Virtual Environment”, recognising the consequences of the COVID-19 epidemic.
The webinar aimed at helping both management and employees cope with the impacts of the adjustments made to work arrangements in various organisations, through the use of ICT.
According to a press release, in the first session, leadership in the new normal was discussed. Participants were taught how to manage the workforce in a virtual environment and were provided with insights on how to prepare for future challenges by redefining work practices and environments.
The second session focused on discussions on the self-care of employees, particularly their physical, mental, and socio-emotional health.
The webinar was conducted by the DICT’s National Planning and Corporate Management Bureau (NPCMB) and was attended by employees from DICT and other government agencies, as well as the public.
The DICT Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II stated that in the new normal, people will continue to employ these alternative working arrangements to prevent further transmission of the virus.
The webinar was conducted to help the country’s workforce achieve greater effectiveness despite the disruptions in the workplace, he added.
To observe physical distancing and to comply with other health protocols set by the government, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has issued CSC Resolution No. 2000540 or the “Revised Interim Guidelines for Alternative Work Arrangements and Support Mechanisms for Workers in the Government During the Period of State of National Emergency Due to COVID-19 Pandemic”.
It was circularised through the CSC Memorandum Circular No. 10, s. 2020, the release informed.
The said guidelines provided for multiple alternative work arrangements, such as the work-from-home arrangement, skeleton workforce, four-day or compressed workweek, and staggered working hour, which government agencies can adapt during the health crisis.
DICT has also invited all teachers in the Zamboanga Peninsula to attend a series of free webinars to prepare them for remote teaching before the opening of classes. There are around 34,000 teachers in the region.
The webinars are scheduled weekly from June to July. They will capacitate educators on resources, technologies, and strategies to ensure quality education during remote teaching.
The servers are capable of accommodating thousands of online participants at the same time.
To help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) grow their businesses during the pandemic, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-10 hosted its first national webinar, earlier this month.
The webinar was called “Understanding Consumer Behaviour Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: Trends and Pivots”.
It was set up in partnership with the DOST Office of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations, the OROBEST Innovation Programme, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through the STRIDE programme.
As OpenGov reported, more than 230 MSMEs from all regions in the country participated. Over 2,000 viewers watched through a Facebook live stream.
The webinar explored the shifts and trends in market sentiment and consumer preferences because of the current health crisis.
Local entrepreneurs and industry representatives from various sectors shared their experiences and thoughts in responding to the changing market environment.
