Private sector supports DSWD food aid initiatives amid COVID-19 ECQ
San Simon, Pampanga – In a show of solidarity through public-private cooperation, several companies in the private sector, led by Aboitiz infrastructure business unit Republic Cement, have worked together to provide assistance to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) by way of helping secure a warehouse for their use.
DSWD reached out to the private sector for assistance in finding a warehouse to use for the re-staging closer to Pampanga (from Metro Manila) of ten metric tons of rice (24,000 sacks) in order to prepare the rice for repacking and distribution to communities in need of food assistance.
“First and foremost, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Republic Cement and the Aboitiz Group of Companies for helping us find a warehouse for our stocks of rice. We called on multiple companies for this but only Republic Cement and Aboitiz heeded our call,” shared DSWD Director Emmanuel Privado.
Answering DSWD’s call, Republic Cement, Aboitiz, MEGACEM, and ResourceCoPH worked together to secure an 800-square meter warehouse in San Simon, Pampanga for the free use of DSWD within 48 hours of the request. While no personnel were provided in compliance with the Luzon enhanced community quarantine guidelines, ResourceCoPH also kindly allowed for the free use of their machinery, including the forklifts available at the warehouse.
“They allowed us to use their warehouse in San Simon, Pampanga and we are very thankful for that because the location is strategic,” added Privado. The rice will be distributed to DSWD Field Office (FO) 3 in Pampanga, FO1 in La Union, FO CAR in Baguio, and FO2 in Cagayan Valley. With this, 10 metric tons of rice will be ready for repacking and distribution as part of food packs.
“The overall effort is very noble because we were able to save about 10 metric tons of rice before they further deteriorate to an unusable condition. So thank you Republic Cement and Aboitiz. Thank you very much,” said Privado.
