BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 21 (PIA) -- Different organizations in the business sector in Caraga are taking part in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the region.

Since the declaration of the health crisis, around 70 percent of the establishments in the provinces of Agusan have suspended operations temporarily.

However, according to Joey Tan, president of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Incorporated (FCCCII) Agusan chapter, business establishments in the Agusan provinces will continue to operate amid the crisis, so long as supplies will continue to arrive.

In addition, while operations continue, he urged fellow entrepreneurs to help their employees by providing access to employee benefits such as the providing 25 percent of their 13th-month wage and extension of cash advance credit.

"Our employees are just as affected by this pandemic. We can always extend more than giving grocery packs," the organization's president added.

Meanwhile, other entrepreneurs have partaken in the 'bayanihan' activities in Butuan City.

Frederick Blancas, owner of a local clothing rental shop, has initiated a cause to produce needed equipment for the front-line workers in the city such as face shields and suits. These were distributed to the public hospitals such as the Butuan Medical Center (BMC) and the Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital.

His initiative encouraged private organizations and individuals in the city to participate. The Butuan Global Forum, Inc., an organization of Butuanons residing nationwide and across the globe, donated P40,000 while artists, whose art pieces were donated to Blancas for auction, were able to offer P30,000.

Government agencies and education stakeholder such as the Association of Technical and Vocational of Butuan City and Agusan del Norte (ATSBAN), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Caraga, and the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) has also taken part in the cause.

A team of seamstresses has also volunteered. While some work without monetary compensation, others are given ample sums of money for allowance.

Furthermore, they also provide food packs to frontline workers designated at the city's checkpoints.

Since Blancas is a member of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) - Butuan, Kirby Go, president of the organization, encouraged other business owners in the city to unite and take part in the initiatives in the business sector.

Business owners who are not yet a member of PCCI are also encouraged to register to strengthen the unity of the business community and provide coherent relief interventions in future calamities.

"Our unity will definitely bear better interventions in turbulent times such as this pandemic," he added.

For donations, Frederick Blancas can be messaged on his personal social media account at https://tinyurl.com/y9zkntz8. (PIA-Caraga)