Restos torn between saving workers, minimizing losses

CEBU, Philippines —  While food-related businesses lament about incurred losses, they are at the same time worried about their displaced employees during this health crisis.

Philippine Retailers Association (PRA-Cebu) past president Robert Ho said as the government ordered all food outlets to only accept non-dine in customers, or temporarily close shops under the community quarantine duration, these small restaurant operators are already experiencing losses.

“Many companies are trying to help out employees but many are also crying for losses,” said Go.

Most restaurants, bakeshops and cafes, including hotels, on the other hand, are giving out their perishable items like bread, cakes, among others to healthcare institutions, and this is a good act of kindness in this time of distress.

“Today commissary facilities are still thinking what to do with [more] perishable goods they have to pull out from malls. Cooked goods and baked goods surely go to hospitals as donations but uncooked item they are still thinking how to dispose of, as malls are ordered to be closed,” Go added.

While these small businesses affected by mall closures have responsibilities to their employees, most small employers are also giving out cash advances to their workers while business is temporarily on a halt.

According to Go, business owners are also tightening their belts some more, as uncertainties of economic rebound continues.

“There is uncertainty and retailers don’t know what to expect. If this will linger for a while, how to survive in the long term is still a question. Everyone is affected in this,” Go added.