SMC delays return to office plan for workers

SAN Miguel Corp. (SMC) said it delayed its return to office plans and ramped up the rollout of booster shots for its employees and their families amid the surge in Covid-19 cases in the country.

In a statement on Tuesday, SMC chief Ramon Ang said they are encouraging employees to work from home unless required by operations as they continue to monitor the pandemic situation.

Ang added that manning complement at their offices is currently limited to 20 percent and essential workers “involved in critical business activities” are prioritized.

He said that they are also accelerating their campaign to administer booster shots to employees and their families, with initial efforts in Metro Manila and Cebu underway.

Dates have also been scheduled for Batangas, Laguna, Pangasinan, Iloilo, Bacolod, Isabela and Davao throughout this week and the next, according to the company.

“After fully vaccinating almost all employees and extended workforce in our network nationwide, we were able to begin administering booster shots starting end of December. We’re currently rolling out vaccinations in major locations, with many provinces nationwide already being lined up,” Ang added.

Meanwhile, Ang assured consumers that their businesses will continue to provide essential products and services.

SMC said its food, beverage, packaging, fuel operations, power generation and infrastructure operations will continue, as essential workers will be allowed to report to work, provided the facilities adhere to the prescribed manning levels and prioritize only essential workers.

“With the surge upon us, many of us are affected. The most important thing we as a company can do is to help prevent its further spread, so as not to overwhelm our medical sector and to allow for proper isolation for those who have tested positive,” Ang said.