Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 19) — The San Miguel Corporation has completed its delivery of 40,000 sets of protective gear to more than 60 hospitals nationwide, fueling its efforts to help in the country’s fight against COVID-19.
The Ramon Ang-led conglomerate said Sunday that it is now waiting for the arrival of the first 10,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) overalls made by local garment manufacturers, who were tapped by the Department of Trade and Industry.
The manufacturers were from the Confederation of Wearable Exporters of the Philippines, according to the SMC.
“We are inspired by how companies and individuals are coming together in new ways to address the challenges of COVID-19. We thank the DTI and the CONWEP for this. We stay committed to helping ease the strain on our medical system and protecting our health workers,” SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang stated.
The recently distributed protective equipment were part of the ₱500-million donation fund of the company, dedicated for healthcare frontliners who “save lives in the fight against the deadly virus.”
“[Apart from their protective gear], our medical frontliners are in dire need of equipment to combat this pandemic. Again, I couldn’t be [prouder] of how everyone in our group is stepping up to the plate. They continue to work day and night to find ways to help our country overcome this unprecedented challenge,” Ang said.
The SMC noted that it continues to exhaust its resources from other countries to be able to provide supplies and extend assistance to local hospitals despite the global demand.
The company said it is also set to distribute 55 units of high-flow oxygen device to health facilities within the next few days.
The SMC earlier donated its first batch of ventilators to five public hospitals, namely the Philippine General Hospital, San Lazaro Hospital, East Avenue Medical Center, Quezon Memorial Medical Center, and Lung Center of the Philippines.
