Private sector’s Covid-19 response overwhelms Palace

FILE: Bureau of Fire Protection and Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council personnel conduct disinfection along East Avenue in Quezon City on Thursday (March 19, 2020). (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday thanked private firms for helping the government in bolstering its fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a press statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Palace was elated by the private sector’s significant contributions to the ongoing efforts to stop the further spread of Covid-19.

“Given that the Palace considers this current situation as a time for solidarity, it also appreciates most of these companies for stepping up to the challenge through their significant donations to various entities which are at the front of this battle,” Panelo said.

The Philippines now has 202 Covid-19 cases, with 17 deaths and seven recoveries.

To prevent further transmission, President Rodrigo Duterte imposed an enhanced quarantine community in Luzon until April 12. This means people from Luzon are required to stay at home and limit movements to accessing basic necessities.

Panelo noted that Metrobank and GT Capital Holdings Group pledged to give the government around PHP200 million for the production of more coronavirus test kits, while Dennis Uy’s Udenna Corp.

vowed to deliver 1,000 diagnostic kits to the Department of Health (DOH).

He added that Andrew Tan and the Alliance Global Group promised to give 1 million liters of ethyl alcohol to the DOH and other government enforcement agencies, while the Belo Medical Group pledged to donate the remaining stocks of its clinic’s personal protective equipment to hospitals and health centers.

Panelo also acknowledged that Ceres, HM Transit, San Agustin, MetroExpress, RRCG, Precious Grace, Jac Liner, St. Rose, and automotive company Foton, as well as Avis Philippines, Westcapboa, West Cavite Philippine Bus Operators Association, and Jasper Jean for offering free shuttle services for health workers and other exempted persons.

He likewise thanked some big business firms that heeded the government’s appeal to provide their workers and employees their respective salaries and benefits during the month-long enhanced community quarantine in Luzon without charging them against their leave credits.

He said among those business entities are Aboitiz Group of Companies, Asian/Terminal Hotel, Ayala Group of Companies, JG Summit/Gokongwei Group of Companies, Jollibee Group of Companies, Lucio Tan Group of Companies, Manuel V. Pangilinan Group of Companies, SMC Group of Companies and SM Group of Companies.

“There are also those companies which would do their share in alleviating and responding to the needs of the daily wage earners and regular employees but would not want to identify themselves and will do it discreetly. To them our commendation,” Panelo said.

Panelo said Filipinos’ “indomitable” spirit has prevailed over national calamities and adversities.

He expressed hope that other businesses will follow suit within their means.

“The Palace is aware that there are more companies and persons offering their resources and services to help contain the spread of Covid-19 and they too deserve kudos for such selfless acts,” Panelo said.

Panelo also reiterated that the government was thankful for the health care and service providers, law enforcement agents, and other people on the frontline of the country’s battle against Covid-19.

“Their sacrifices during this period are invaluable, and the services they are tirelessly rendering for the nation will forever be remembered. The Office of the President will continue rallying behind – and giving the necessary support in favor of – these heroic men and women until we defeat this pandemic,” he said.

Panelo also called for unity during the coronavirus crisis, stressing that it is the only way to stop the further spread of Covid-19.

Amid the country’s fight against Covid-19, Panelo told Filipinos anew to follow the government’s precautionary measures to ensure the successful prevention of the infectious disease.

“As for our countrymen who remain at home and faithfully follow the protocols set by the government, your patience and obedience are equally appreciated as the same are the keys to the successful containment and eradication of Covid-19 in the Philippines,” Panelo said.