The Philippines recently experienced a strong typhoon. Tropical Storm Wipha (Typhoon Crising) was a big one. It displaced around 300,000 people and caused flooding in numerous heavily populated areas.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/07/21/crising-leaves-3-dead-3-others-missing/
I was just going to talk about the typhoon, tell you where it landed, and check on your workers in the Philippines. Then I received an email from Calle with a question that concerns many employers.
One of my VAs has experienced challenges with home damage due to the effects of Typhoon weather. Do you have recommendations and or explanations regarding the struggles Filipino workers encounter when their devices are damaged and need to be replaced? What can overseas employers expect when this happens, and what is the best way to be a flexible and supportive employer in this circumstance?
Thanks so much for the great articles, and for your help with this question (hopefully addressed in a future article!)
I asked one of my VAs, Jam, about this. He’s the one our team goes to for advice when buying a new laptop or having their current equipment repaired. Here’s his answer.
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We don’t really have home insurance in the Philippines. Insurance companies offer them, but it’s not very popular. Some established computer stores do offer extended warranties and device insurance, but the additional overhead cost discourages people from getting them.
In the last few years, many online workers opted to get laptops instead of desktop computers, primarily due to their mobility. The additional advantage is that they’re able to quickly pack and protect it from harsh weather conditions. We’ve even seen online workers work in evacuation centers with their laptops and phones while they’re waiting to be allowed to go back to their homes.
Of course, many people still lose their primary (and sometimes, their only) means of making a living.
I’ve seen employers send their workers assistance so they can continue working. Some partially fund the purchase of new equipment, and the rest of the cost is covered by a no-interest loan that’s deducted from their salary over the next several months.
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Partially funding the purchase of new equipment is something we do with our team.
We don’t offer this to new hires. They need to work with us for at least a year before they are eligible for this benefit.
You can offer a loan to repair or replace their device with Filipino workers you know you can trust. This will strengthen your relationship.
This is a bit of a segue, but you need to be cautious when new hires request a new laptop immediately. This is a red flag. Even if they use this typhoon as a reason, if they haven’t worked for you yet and they ask for a laptop, say no.
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You might want to check on your Filipino VA if they live in Metro Manila or the provinces listed below:
- Cavite
- Laguna
- Batangas
- Rizal
- Quezon
- Mindoro
- Marinduque
- Romblon
- Palawan
- Cordillera
Not everybody who lives in an affected area experiences the typhoon the same way. If they live in an elevated place and they have a sturdy home, they might not need to evacuate. If they live in a low-lying area and are prepared for evacuation, there’s a good chance they’re safe and, hopefully, not as severely affected.
Jam’s parents and sibling live in an affected area (Metro Manila). He checked on them and they’re okay. They even went out for their scheduled doctor’s appointment and had lunch right after.
Regardless, check on your team if they live in Manila or any of the affected areas.
John