The National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) held a webinar on the topic “Thriving in a Remote Workplace during Challenging Times” on 6 July 2020.
The webinar featured Mr Amando S Pulido, Head of the Internal Security Operations and Cyber Security Incident Response Team of the PLDT Group and SMART Communications.
In his remarks, the NDCP President BGen Archimedes H Viaje AFP (Ret) PhD, MNSA, CESE underscored the importance of equipping and retooling the organization amid the disruption that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused. He reminded everyone that since “we cannot go back to old practices, we should adapt in order to survive and thrive”.
Mr Pulido expounded on the inevitability of work-from-home (WFH) arrangement as being the “new normal” due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He argued that the transition is not a matter of choice but of survival. He stated that failing to undertake efforts to transition into a WFH scheme will result to more problems at the organizational, financial, and psychological levels.
Mr Pulido has extensive experience in managing different teams in different continents. He identified several positive impact of working remotely including improved productivity, better emergency preparedness, improved employee attitude and reduced employee commute.
He identified culture, specifically the mindset of management and employees, as one of the key challenges to working remotely.
For Mr Pulido, the challenge for organizations is to focus more on results rather than routine processes.
Some recommendations Mr Pulido proposed include enhancing visibility, creating a culture of trust, confidence and respect, providing tools for productivity, creating business continuity plans and adopting security practices.
In concluding his remarks, Mr Pulido emphasized the need to “show genuine care” and to “continue to be human beings” amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Capt Jorge A Ibarra PN, MNSA, Chief of the Military Affairs and Security Division (MASD), in his message, enjoined all participants to adhere to proper security protocols in performing work remotely.
The webinar drew 51 participants composed of NDCP officials, faculty and personnel.
As mandated by the national government, the NDCP undertakes measures and observes protocol in order to continue delivering on its mandate and provide services as an academic institution within the larger defense community. The College has initiated transition initiatives in order to further harness the potential of online platforms and other tools of productivity.
Established in 1963, the NDCP is the government’s highest center for education, training and research on defense and national security.