Philippine businesses asked to ramp up HIV awareness initiatives
09/02/2010
The business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in the Philippines has been advised to deal with the rising number of people suffering from HIV and AIDS among its workforce.
Representative Raymond Palatino from the Kabataan Party spoke to employers about how awareness of the issue needs to be raised across the industry.
He suggested placing an emphasis on sensitivity towards those infected with the disease, the Manila Bulletin reports.
Mr Palatino was commenting on University of the Philippines Population Institute and Department of Health-Philippine National AIDS Council research, which showed that many workers in the sector are leading HIV-prone lifestyles.
"Instead of being irrationally defensive and trivialising the matter, BPO companies should face the problem and express collective concern given the work-related, unhealthy routine of their employees," he said.
The Manila Bulletin recently reported that new regulations which propose changes to the Philippines' system of caring for its disabled have been approved.
Written by Dan Parr
