Since the General Community Quarantine started in Metro Manila, different infrastructure projects were resumed after months of delay. However, this does not mean that the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic is gone.

The number of COVID-19 cases in the country are not slowing down anytime soon. According to the Department of Health, there are more than 170,000 cases, while more than 60,000 of them are still active. With infrastructure projects continuing and infection rates increasing each day, blue-collar workers are most at risk particularly those who work in the construction sector.

To help these workers, the Philippines Domestic Construction Board organized a Technical Working Group to draft the “Construction Guidelines for Project Implementation during the period of Public Health Emergency.” These guidelines will ensure the feasibility and continuity of the projects as well as the safety of the workforce in those projects.

The plan also further emphasizes the importance of project planning—from supply logistics to equipping the labor force, everything must be accounted for as safety measures need to be implemented during these changing times.

JP Marzan Project Ventures Inc., one of the leading logistics providers in the country, believes that companies need to change their approach when it comes to planning.

“Due to sudden changes, what was then the “norm” can no longer be the option if they want to ensure the safety of their workforce,” Jay Marzan, Chairman of JP Marzan Project Ventures Inc., said.

Visibility in All Aspects

Visibility will be one crucial element when implementing and planning projects to find possible vulnerabilities that would risk the health and safety of the workers on site.

Focusing on critical materials, equipment, and products will help prioritize and identify important elements of the project. Once those susceptible factors are identified, you must determine how reliant they are on the regions affected.

Legal and Financial Groundwork

The rules have changed during the pandemic. When planning, consider all the legal groundwork to make it happen, especially with the new guidelines implemented to maintain the health and safety of the site’s environment.

Other than legal concerns, financial implications must also be recognized. Look for the impact of the supply chain disruptions in margins, cash flow, and terms on loan repayments to ensure that all materials and equipment would not have any problems.

Communications

During a global health crisis, communication and cooperation are two important elements that are essential to successfully conduct business operations in the midst of disruptions. Thus, ensure during planning stage to have a proper communications strategy with both the stakeholders and the labor force doing the groundwork.

Contingency Plans

The pandemic brought the world to a near standstill and plunged the global economy a recession. Luckily, thanks to the advancement of today’s technology, countries were able to counter the effects of the pandemic by continuously addressing different supply chain disruptions that come up.

Problems, however, will continue to arise as the pandemic stays and different solutions will therefore, be needed to address challenges as they happen. Businesses will need to consider alternative delivery methods that can allow projects to start and end on time; conduct scenario analysis to predict possible disruptions; explore technology that can increase efficiency and productivity among the workforce.

Building Together

“The government and the private sector must recognize the great change this pandemic brings and, address it through careful planning and cooperation. We must carefully watch each step we take to ensure the safety of everyone while continuing business operations. That way, the country will be in a better shape to withstand and even weather this crisis,” Marzan said.

JP Marzan Project Ventures Inc. is one of the leading logistics providers in the country dedicated to meet the challenges of the globalized market and serves as a reliable partner for the country’s economic growth.

As the company plans for new ways to mitigate the risks of the pandemic, they believe that partnerships will help build the nation into a brighter future. And, with their services to plan projects and provide logistics, they are prepared with the best equipment to help the country.

The company started in 1972 as RV Marzan Brokerage and used to handle customs brokerage and deliveries around Luzon. Since then, it started the separate logistics company, we know today and has established itself as a reputable logistics company consistent with the best business practices.

It has also expanded its services and catered to the needs of companies across the country. Among its services include heavy-lift support, trucking, forwarding, logistics, domestic distribution, warehousing, rigging works, plant transfer, factory machine installation, powerplant assembly, project consultation, equipment rental, civil engineering, and trading of industrial equipment and services.

To know more about JP Marzan Ventures, Inc., visit its website at www.jpmarzan.com.