Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 10)— San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has opened its pilot stores for local fresh produce to help farmers sell their crops during the COVID-19 crisis.
In a statement on Sunday, SMC said the two stores, located at Petron stations in Katipunan (near La Vista subdivision) and Zabarte in Caloocan, are now operational.
The initiative is in line with the Department of Agriculture’s Kadiwa ng Ani at Kita agri market program which aims to provide a platform not only for local farmers to sell their produce, but also for nearby residents to easily access fresh and healthy food.
“During this time of crisis, our farmers, livestock raisers, fishermen, and everyone in the agricultural sector, are also unsung heroes. We depend on them for our food supply. And yet, they are also among the most vulnerable to the crisis, especially since quarantine restrictions also impact their access to their traditional markets,” SMC President and COO Ramon Ang said.
“This way, our farmers can still continue their livelihood even during this pandemic… At the same time, we will help boost food accessibility for our citizens, who are asked to limit their movement to essential activities during the quarantine,” he added.
Ang said the Petron Corporation and San Miguel Foods Inc. are also currently finalizing plans with the agriculture department to set up more farmers’ produce outlets.
Earlier, the company rolled out the first 30 of its target 90 refrigerated van-cum-rolling stores, which are now situated at various Petron stations. The trucks bring fresh poultry, meats, and ready-to-eat food closer to consumers.
Meanwhile, six Petron Treats convenience stores have also started doubling as pick-up stores for San Miguel Foods Inc.’s new online ordering platform www.order.sanmiguelfoods.com.
Currently, the whole of Metro Manila and other COVID-19 high-risk areas have been placed under an extended enhanced community quarantine. Regions classified as lower risk areas meanwhile have seen a gradual easing of measures.
To date, the Philippines has logged over 10,000 cases of COVID-19.
LOOK: Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corporation opens its local farm produce stands in two Petron stations where local farmers can sell their crops amid these difficult times. It hopes to open such stores around Metro Manila
📸 Nonong Velasco, QC Food Security Task Force pic.twitter.com/UNnBevJQ1N
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) May 10, 2020
