SMC facilitates arrival of 40,000 PPE sets from China

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has facilitated the arrival of 40,000 sets of personal protective equipment (PPEs) from China via a chartered Boeing-777 aircraft, as part of its P500-million initiative to support Filipino medical front liners in the fight against COVID-19.

The shipment, consisting of hazmat suits and goggles, is intended for donation to various hospitals in Luzon, where the majority of COVID-19 cases are concentrated.

SMC president and COO Ramon S. Ang emphasized the global high demand for PPEs and SMC's proactive approach in securing a substantial quantity.

In addition to imported supplies, SMC is also committed to purchasing locally manufactured PPEs, supporting the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Health (DoH)'s initiative with the Confederation of Wearable Exporters of the Philippines (CONWEP).

Local garment manufacturers are reconfiguring their operations to meet the target production capacity of 10,000 PPE coveralls per day, with designs approved by the DoH and Philippine General Hospital to ensure they are medical-grade.

Ang expressed hope that these efforts will alleviate concerns among doctors and nurses regarding their safety and the availability of necessary protective equipment.

Beyond PPE procurement, SMC has also allocated over P227 million for food donations to less fortunate communities and distributed ethyl alcohol produced by its liquor plants to hospitals, local government units, and vital installations nationwide.