The recent event is calls for more than just a review of lessons learned. It is about developing a "business as usual" attitude, although this should be guided by the right mindset from the outset where personnel safety remains paramount. Above all, the resulting devastation highlighted the lack of essential infrastructure to support an industry that is currently employing over 700,000 Filipinos who contribute to globalization and play key roles in supporting business operations internationally. The responsibility for continuity of services must also syndicate service providers and captives to ensure their workforce has the ability to telework, particularly for critical functions. The tools, connectivity and means to do so have matured significantly since Tropical Storm Ketsana.

Although the Philippines has come a long way in strengthening utility infrastructures such as power and telecom services, it has continued to struggle with other essential infrastructure such as transportation, water supply, sanitation, drainage and other critical urban infrastructures to meet the migration trends and mobilizing talents within and without Metro Manila. An unexpected natural disaster such as the past tropical depression, exacerbated a fundamental disconnect between the government and the needs of the outsourcing industry. The calamity also further highlighted the lack of critical infrastructure for the country to be "ON" in any given situation.