The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) commits to caring for its employees’ mental health and psychological well-being through its “We COPE As One” psychosocial support initiative amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Secretary Mark A. Villar assured that employees from DPWH Central Office, Regional Offices, and District Engineering Offices shall be offered support mechanism through the Department’s supervisors – from section chiefs and above.
Through a memorandum issued by Undersecretary for Support Services Ardeliza R. Medenilla, the said support mechanism aims to assist employees on their concerns, worries, and fears brought about by COVID-19 threat.
Through the program, an employee can choose to undergo a dialogue with their corresponding supervisors via work-from-home (WFH) arrangement or face-to-face interaction. This can be done either individually or as a team depending on the preference and readiness of the employee.
Undersecretary Medenilla assured that all gathered concerns are strictly confidential and will remain so unless there are issues that might affect the safety of the individual or others. She also added that employees’ desire to not undergo said interventions will be respected.
Secretary Villar initiated the We COPE As One program in accordance to Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 10, s. 2020 entitled “Revised Interim Guidelines for Alternative Work Arrangements and Support Mechanisms for Workers in the Government During the Period of State of National Emergency Due to COVID-19 Pandemic” issued in May 2020.