Makati Shangri-la bids goodbye
MANILA – The imposing 28-floor Makati Shangri-La Hotel will have to close its doors due to the impact COVID-19 brought on their business.
In a statement attributed to their spokesperson and released to the media today, the Shangri-La Group said during the COVID-19 pandemic, their priority has always been to preserve as many jobs for their personnel.
They said they implemented multiple cost management initiatives which included salary deductions at their management level, shortened work weeks, froze hiring and had cuts in non-essential spending.
They said they have provided the needed assistance for their rank and file to meet their basic needs.
However, with the prolonged recovery, conditions brought what they described as “increasing financial pressure” on the company in the Philippines.
With the continued low business levels and having exhausted all viable options over weeks of consideration and deliberation, “we unfortunately must now make the extreme difficult decision to reorganize our workforce and operations in the Philippines as we continue to navigate an uncertain business environment.”
“We will sadly be parting ways with a number of colleagues” as the management opted to temporarily close Makati Shangri-La, Manila.
A fair compensation package said to be above than local mandated benefits will be given their employees along with the extension of healthcare coverage and grocery support until December 31,2021 for the affected employees and their families peace of mind during these uncertain times.
“We are also providing colleagues with career transition assistance to help them get back on their feet,” the statement revealed.
Inaugurated in 1993, Makati Shangri-la prides itself with 696 rooms and posh restaurants. It has been the favorite of different embassies whenever they celebrate their national days.
The Management said they enjoyed strong support in the Philippines, and they are indeed grateful “and would like to assure everyone we remain deeply committed to our presence here in the market, and to the communities we are part of.”
They expressed optimism to the reopening of the landmark in Makati business district “at a later date when business conditions have improved.” (Melo M. Acuña)
Snapshots taken at Makati Shangri-La Manila at different times and events. (Melo M. Acuña)
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