DMCI Homes moves to strengthen workers’ welfare initiatives

Quadruple A developer DMCI Homes has strengthened its workers’ welfare initiatives to address the needs of its construction workforce amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

These initiatives include the expansion of project site modular barracks and smart houses to ensure convenient workers’ accommodation. 

Some 2,900 skilled workers are currently staying at various on-site barracks, which can now house 4,202 workers compared to 3,108 prior to the imposition of the enhanced community quarantine in mid-March.

The enhanced workers’ dormitory which was first introduced at the Brixton Place project site in Pasig City, offers among others a mess hall, cooking area, canteen, comfort rooms, entertainment room, laundry area, locker area, and mobile phone charging stations.

Similar barracks were also set up at construction sites of The Celandine, Infina Towers, Cameron Residences in Quezon City and fairlane Residences, Prisma Residences, and Satori Residences in Pasig City.

DMCI Homes rolled out the modular barracks and smart houses last year as part of the company’s Welfare of Workers (WoW) Program that aims to address the needs of the members of the construction team at the project sites.

Every month, members of DMCI Homes WoW committee convene to discuss the general condition of worker’s welfare facilities.

“We recognize that our workers are the lifeblood of the company thus we always endeavor to support their needs,” DMCI Homes President Alfredo Austria said. 

“Last year, we put up a committee dedicated to this special task to steer us in the right direction. We hope to maximize these gains to better respond to our present challenging situation,” he added.

Apart from ensuring convenient workers’ accommodation, the company has also launched an interest-free, salary deduction “Bike Loan” program, to reduce their dependence on public transportation. 

Moreover, the company has also been providing free Vitamin C supplements to further ensure the health and well-being of workers amid the health crisis.

Thermal scanning and use of face masks among other minimum health standards are likewise implemented in all DMCI Homes project sites in accordance with the health and safety protocols prescribed by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), and concerned local government units.