Palace lauds biz firms’ contributions to fight Covid-19

In a press statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo was elated that more business firms are extending assistance to individuals who are from the marginalized sector and on the frontline to stop the further spread of Covid-19. (PCOO File Photo)

MANILA – Malacañang on Friday thanked the big business companies that are taking the initiative to help the government in its fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a press statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo was elated that more business firms are extending assistance to individuals who are from the marginalized sector and on the frontline to stop the further spread of Covid-19.

“The Office of the President would like to thank the contributions of several businesses in our fight to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019,” Panelo said.

Panelo said the Palace appreciated the move of McDonald’s Philippines to allocate its PHP500-million fund to support its employees and the communities, including the frontliners and the marginalized sector affected by Covid-19 crisis.

He said the government was grateful that McDonald’s Philippines contributes funds not just to those who are addressing the Covid-19 outbreak but also to those who are in a difficult situation to access food as a result of their situation.

“The model of McDonald’s Philippines’ unselfish act is worth emulating for aside from continuing paying the salaries of its employees who are not able to report for work, it also provides a premium pay and special benefits to those who can,” Panelo said.

Panelo also commended to Coca-Cola Philippines for re-channeling its PHP150-million advertising budget to the government’s Covid-19 relief and response efforts.

“The Palace commends these companies for the consideration it has placed on the welfare of its employees and fellow countrymen, especially at this time when the country needs all the help it can get to get through this public health crisis,” he said.

The Philippines now has 230 confirmed cases of Covid-19.

More than 3.5 million Filipinos in Luzon were confined to their homes until April 12 after President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire island under an enhanced community quarantine to stop the transmission of Covid-19.