SMC leverages Petron network

MANILA, Philippines — Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is leveraging the extensive network of subsidiary Petron Corp. to boost food accessibility by selling farmers’ produce in its key gas stations.

SMC has utilized 30 Petron stations for its efforts to bring food products closer to communities and provide people a safe, convenient, alternative way to buy essential goods during the quarantine.

The conglomerate is looking to mobilize 60 more stations.

“Petron’s major stations will become a lifeline for farmers in the province struggling to find a way to sell their fresh farm harvest. With this program, we are able to help them sustain their livelihood in this time of crisis. At the same time, we’re also making available fresh fruits and vegetables to people in Metro Manila to complement the products we offer,” SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said in a statement.

SMC has also started identifying key stations in Metro Manila that will sell farmers’ produce such as fruits and vegetables under the Department of Agriculture’s “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” rolling market program.

“With physical distancing and business restrictions, many Filipinos have had to line up for hours at supermarkets and public markets to get food supplies. While it’s a necessary activity, it also increases the risk to people’s health,” Ang said.

In Metro Manila, Petron has 370 gas stations throughout the region.

The 30 Petron stations utilized serve as sites for the SMC Logistics reefer van-cum-rolling stores SMC deployed throughout Metro Manila. The food trucks come loaded with frozen poultry products, fresh and processed meats, and ready-to-eat goods.

Meanwhile, SMC marked Labor Day with a fresh donation of 85,000 liters of free fuel for government’s Libreng Sakay programs, which provide free transportation to thousands of medical front liners. The fuel donation is worth an estimated P2.8 million.

All in all, the company has given a total of 170,000 liters worth P5.8 million, for the shuttle services.

Apart from fuel, SMC Infrastructure also waives all toll fees for medical front liners at its toll roads – Southern Tagalog Arterial Road, South Luzon Expresssway, Skyway, NAIA Expressway and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway.