The importance of being agile

By Zyrelle del Prado

TThe pandemic has put the business establishments inside the John Hay Special Economic Zones (JHSEZ) in survival mode. The John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) locators have been challenged by the significant decrease in economic activity inside Camp John Hay. Adding to these challenges are the imposition of several lockdowns, community quarantine restrictions, and work-from-home directives from various sectors.

As the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) continues to implement strict health protocols, JHMC foresees a rapid decline in customers visiting the Camp. To cope with this looming market trend, businesses have accelerated the digitization of their processes and services. JHMC supports this rapid digital transformation by maintaining and strengthening connectivity, support, online security, and sourcing, through its digital channels.

Social media accounts have been kept busy, as well. Businesses have been posting updates about their store hours, contact details, and delivery service partners on their social media accounts. This allowed customers to access from their homes goods offered by businesses inside the Camp. In addition, JHMC has ramped up enhancement and maintenance activities for the Special Economic Zone Regulatory Information System (SEZRIS), a webenabled information system for the various front-line services of the corporation. Complying with the no-contact policy, JHMC has enabled clients to apply and process permits online. Permit approvals can also be done online.

Safety inside the camp

To date, foot traffic has been gradually increasing inside Camp John Hay. Its picnic grounds are slowly starting to see families and friends hanging out—while observing social distancing and health protocols, of course.

The pandemic has moved the dining and leisure scene to the outdoors—and this is where Camp John Hay has an advantage. Unlike stores in malls, Camp John Hay boasts of al fresco retail stores and establishments. Plus, it offers a 360-degree view of pine trees and mountains, clean air, and the cold breeze.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put JHMC and its locators to the test. Despite this, they continue to thrive, and focus not only on business continuity, but also on business agility.