ECOP conducts first run of digital wage payments training in Pangasinan
On January 11, 2024, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) and International Labour Organization (ILO) joined forces with ECOP North Luzon to roll-out the first leg of the implementation of Responsible Wage Digitization for Small Enterprises training at Star Plaza Hotel, Dagupan City, Pangasinan. This initiative aims to push forward the transition from cash wage payments to digitization and promote it to micro and small enterprises, along with the presence of several government agencies from Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
To start the event, ILO National Officer – Global Centre on Digital Wages for Decent Work Project Mr. Richard Umali and ECOP Project Associate for Training & Development Mr. Jerus Alem Roxas provided a quick overview of the project and the training.
The first session focused on why there is a need to pay wages digitally which was discussed by ECOP North Luzon President Mr. Salvador Poserio. The discussion gave introductory information for participants to be willing to transition despite hesitation to do so. This was followed by ECOP North Luzon Director Mr. Andre Abalos who talked about the how tos of preparing for responsible wage digitization. Case studies were presented for the participants and they were asked to provide meaningful insights regarding different realistic situations and struggles in digitizing wages.
The event was also graced by Regional Director Exequiel Guzman who conveyed his message of support toward the vision for the country’s digitization of wages for better financial inclusion.
ECOP Senior Accounting Manager Ms. Princess Briobo then tackled the technical methods on how companies can start digitizing their payroll system as well as choosing the convenient and safe financial service providers.
The final part of the program focused on how to deal with workers who struggle to adapt to the planned transitions to digitization and how to support them in this undertaking. The participants also conducted an action planning where they were asked to think of initiatives and actions to undertake once they go back to their workplaces and propose the opportunity to transition from cash to digital wage payments for the benefit of both employers and employees.