SSI bares support for workers, bereaved kin

RESEARCH Now and Sampling Survey International (SSI) vowed to continue supporting their displaced employees as well as the bereaved families following the massive fire that engulfed the NCCC Mall Davao and claimed 37 lives of their employees, noting that a total of $115,000 or P5.7 million have already been raised for assistance.

In a statement, the company said that although the operation of the company was suspended, they assured that the compensation for their employees continue.

“Research Now SSI is continuing to pay the Davao employees despite the loss of the Davao facility and is exploring avenues to provide them with employment,” it said.

The statement added, “Efforts continue to reimburse employees for personal effects that were destroyed in the fire. Additionally, Research Now SSI continues to secure counseling for employees and victims’ families.”

The company said that they hired around 500 employees and most of these are call center agents. They were all displaced after the mall where they are located at the fourth floor was gutted down.

“These moves are in line with the company’s top priority of ensuring the welfare of the families of the victims and the well-being of employees, while cooperating fully

with authorities in the investigation of the fire,” he said.

The company also provided the families financial assistance aside from the funds they raised. They are preparing to release the funds.

Gary S. Laben, CEO of Research Now SSI, lauded the resiliency of the employees amid the tragedy. He also reiterated his commitment to extend assistance to the families of the 37 employees who were trapped during the fire incident last December 23, 2017.

“Our Davao employees have shown incredible resiliency and strength in the wake of the tragedy. We are committed to helping sustain them as members of our global company and as part of the Research Now SSI family,” he said.

The company was founded in July 2008 as part of the company’s market research Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) services.

The city government of Davao and the NCCC Mall Davao also extended assistance to the families who lost their family members.

Meanwhile, the investigation revealed that the cause of the fire incident was electrical short circuit which started at the third floor near the furniture area. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) had already recommended to the mall management for the total demolition of the establishment.