Poor families living in areas where the branches of the company are located will be prioritized in the distribution, according to SMC.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 23) — San Miguel Corporation is preparing to give out ₱150 million worth of meat products to aid peasant communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, with its total donations now topping ₱1 billion.
“With the resources that we have, we are in a position to help and provide essential relief, especially to our neighbors, in these difficult times. To use these resources well and put them to good use [are] the right and responsible thing to do,” SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang said in a statement Thursday.
“Many families do not have the means to earn a living right now, so food is really a concern. By helping our LGUs and partner non-profit and charitable organizations bring food to those who need it, we hope that the most vulnerable families will have one less thing to worry about, especially since we are all mandated to stay in our homes,” he added.
The Ramon Ang-led conglomerate assured that it stays true to its commitment of helping the country’s frontliners, as well as those in the most affected communities and businesses.
SMC has now contributed ₱1.147 billion for its COVID-19 efforts, including ₱390.7 million for food donations.
Aside from its own food products, the company has also distributed some 1.1 million kilos (₱38.4 million worth) of rice, as part of its food donation drive. It has likewise donated more than 15,000 bags of flour to local government units for the benefit of its bakers.
SMC recently completed its delivery of 40,000 sets of protective gear to more than 60 healthcare facilities nationwide. It has also distributed its first batch of life-saving ventilators to five public hospitals, specifically the Philippine General Hospital, San Lazaro Hospital, East Avenue Medical Center, Quezon Memorial Medical Center, and Lung Center of the Philippines.
Other donations initiated by the company include: ₱100 million for “Project Ugnayan,” a coalition of private companies that provides assistance to the government in COVID-19 fight; ₱5.3 million worth of fuel for the MMDA and DOTr’s “Libreng Sakay” program for medical frontliners; P5 million for the construction of emergency quarantine facilities within military camps; and another P3.8 million in various assistance.
