Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat during the tourism stakeholders at the Breakthroughs Conference last April 2019
Photo file/THEPHILBIZNEWS
By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios
Contrary to the allegation of DFPC Employees Association President Alexander Sablan during his interview that the management of Duty Free Philippines will permanently close down the provincial airport stores, no less than Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Duty Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC), assures, that there is no decision to permanently stop operations of Duty Free shops, and lay-off employees, that would reduce workforce as a response to the COVID-19 crisis.
“The dissolution or permanent cessation of operations of the DFPC is definitely not options on the table as we address the impact of global travel restrictions on our business performance. The continued employment of our workers remains a top priority.” Secretary Puyat further said.
In an earlier letter to the Department of Justice, the DOT sought guidance on possible measures in keeping the corporation afloat and stressed that the livelihood and well being of DFPC employees, especially the rank-and-file is the prime concern of the Department.
Meanwhile, Duty Free Philippines Chief Operating Officer Vicente “Vico” Angala speaking to THEPHILBIZNEWS said, “Since the implementation of the community quarantine, we have been endeavoring to ensure that we explore all possible ways to make the operations of Duty Free Philippines continues. Needless to say, this is also the reason why we embarked on the Duty Free online shopping to ensure that we will be able to serve our clients and keep our employees’ jobs secured.”
“And given the situation now, we can only earn so much from online but not enough to alleviate the pandemic impact,” Angala concluded.
Read related stories:
https://thephilbiznews.com/duty-free-philippines-launches-online-shopping-on-its-33rd-anniversary/
