SMC commits to provide ₱500-M worth of PPE for frontline health workers

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 30) — San Miguel Corporation is committing to purchase ₱500-million worth of personal protective equipment for health workers trying to combat the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

SMC president and COO Ramon Ang said they are hoping to fill the gap and continue supporting the government in addressing the shortage of protective gears.

“Our health care workers and government responders are risking their own lives to save ours but they are running out of equipment to protect themselves,” Ang said.

“We are committed to growing this fund for PPEs and continue allocating resources to purchase much-needed protective items,” he added.

The corporation is tapping its global network of suppliers, while also urging local manufacturers to ramp up production of PPE and help secure the supply chain. Ang said they are willing to purchase local suppliers’ products and distribute them “where it is most needed.”

Health facilities nationwide have reported lack of medical supplies, including protective masks, gloves, and surgical gowns, necessary to safeguard their staff.

Earlier, at least 12 doctors have died due to COVID-19 while treating patients infected with the viral disease. According to Dr. Rustico Jimenez of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc., the doctors were exposed to the virus due to the shortage of protective gear.

“We also invite other businesses to join us in this initiative and work together to support our selfless health care workers on the front lines of this crisis. We are all in this together,” the SMC president added.

The company has also donated over 100,000 liters of ethyl alcohol to front liners in Luzon, as well as distributed food donations, including vitamin-packed bread, to poor communities affected by the quarantine all over Metro Manila.