San Miguel Corporation announced it would use one of its facilities to make 70 percent ethyl alcohol and distribute them for free to communities.
“While hand-washing is still the best defense, hand sanitizers with 70 percent alcohol can be your next best option where soap and water are not available,” SMC president and COO Ramon Ang said.
Ang said they already began producing the disinfectant alcohol in a Ginebra San Miguel facility over the weekend for their employees.
However, the company is seeking clearance from the government so they can distribute them for public use for humanitarian reasons.
“We have the means and capability to produce this, and make it available for free to LGUs and public hospitals. We are working on getting the necessary clearances from the relevant government agencies, to produce this for public use. We ask that they help expedite clearances,” he added.
San Miguel is looking to donate the alcohol in bulk, in 20-liter containers, and 1,000-liter tanks, he said.
The company will also donate its brand of disinfectant powder, which is safe for humans and can easily be deployed as extra protection against the virus.
Also read: Guide to Luzon COVID-19 Enhanced Community Quarantine
San Miguel to use Ginebra plant in producing 70% ethyl alcohol
In a mobile message to the Inquirer, Ang reassured the public that its production facilities would run 24/7 so that grocery shelves will remain well-stocked with its food products.
“Our raw materials are good for six months” worth of food manufacturing,” he said.
“As far as the food supply is concerned, we have the capability to produce enough for everybody and deliver to supermarkets,” Ang added.
He also said the company is already working on distributing food donations to poor communities where the enhanced community quarantine has badly hit daily paid workers.
San Miguel will also give food to public hospitals and select government centers.