Actor Enchong Dee, who is also a co-owner of a famous chicken restaurant in the Philippines, said that he has not let go of any of his employees despite business struggles amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
In his interview with Pep.ph, Dee said that despite reduced earnings, he still wants to prioritize the livelihood of his employees, noting that he knows what it means to be unemployed.
“My reason is simple: jobs are essential in these uncertain times. I care for them not because they work for me, but because it is my mission as a businessman to provide opportunities for Filipinos. And that doesn’t stop just because of a pandemic. They have families, they have needs, just like me,” he told Pep.ph
Dee is one of the co-owners of Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken restaurant branches in SM Megamall, UP Town Center, Market! Market!, and Marquee Mall. He said they have closed down the branches when Luzon was placed under enhanced community quarantine in March. As of now, their products are available for delivery and takeouts.
“We stopped because our customers and our employees are our main concern. We followed the guidelines provided by our mall operators. Our sales took a plunge, but enough for us to survive,” he said.
The actor and businessman added that they have advanced the 13th month pay of their employees, and have placed a skeletal workplace to cut costs.
“Even if we are not earning, as long as we can secure their jobs, I’m happy, I want them to feel that we are all in the same boat. If they sink, I sink. If they thrive, we all thrive. That’s my greatest achievement as an owner, to be able to take care of my employees in good and uncertain times,” he said.
