SMC pledges P500-M equipment for frontliners

FOOD and beverage giant San Miguel Corp. ( SMC) pledged P500- million worth of personal protective equipment ( PPE) to be used by medical frontliners in the fight against the novel coronavirus.

The company said it would tap its global supplier network to purchase the PPE and would also look for domestic suppliers.

“It’s very crucial that we get more PPE — protective masks, gloves, surgical gowns, among others — out there as fast as we can. We are hoping to fill the gap and continue supporting our government in whatever way we can.” SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang said.

Ang also urged local suppliers to ramp up production of PPE by modifying equipment to secure the supply chain.

“That’s why we are also calling on local suppliers, even the small ones, to come forward. We will help purchase your products and get it out in the market where it’s most needed,” he said.

Ang also called on other businesses to join its initiative to support frontliners.

“Our healthcare workers and government responders are risking their own lives to save ours, but they are running out of equipment to protect themselves. We are committed to growing this fund for PPE and continue allocating resources to purchase much-needed protective items,” he said.

The company earlier repurposed its Ginebra San Miguel plants to produce rubbing alcohol. It also produced Nutribunstyle breads and donated rice, canned goods, biscuits and coffee to poor communities affected by the pandemic.