San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has earmarked nearly Php 1 billion for the launch of its “Ligtas Lahat” task force, aimed at vaccinating 70,000 employees and extended workforce for free.
The move is part of the company’s steps to help the Philippines’ efforts in vaccinating the public to help build the country’s immunity against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by securing vaccine doses from various sources.
“Our program is in line with our core value of malasakit and aims to create a safe and healthy workplace so that we can further contribute to our country’s economic recovery,” said SMC president Ramon S. Ang.
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The “Ligtas Lahat” task force will be in coordination with relevant government agencies to ensure the efficiency of the company’s COVID-19 vaccination strategy.
Ang maintains that the vaccine inoculation will be on a voluntary basis for all SMC employees. He hopes that those who are eligible to get the free dose will choose to get vaccinated once the vaccine shipment arrives in the country.
“It is our civic duty and our best chance at protecting ourselves and those we love. It is the best thing we can do today to help contain this pandemic, protect the vulnerable, and help speed up economic recovery,” he said, adding that the business sector will play an important role in vaccinating enough people to reach herd immunity.
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He added that SMC will use vaccines that have complied with rigorous safety protocols and are authorized for emergency use by the Philippine Food and Drug Association (FDA).
Ang said that until the vaccine is widely available, the company will continue to strictly follow public health measures –wearing masks, physical distancing and good hygiene —to protect its workforce and minimize the spread of the virus.
