San Miguel ramps up alcohol production for COVID-19 war

Ramon S. Ang (File photo by LEO M. SABANGAN II / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Conglomerate San Miguel Corp. has ramped up its production of 70-percent ethyl alcohol- used as a disinfectant and sanitizer – to 100,000 liters per day to boost the supply needed by medical front-liners, cities and provinces nationwide during this state of public health emergency.

SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang announced on Wednesday that the company had activated all the facilities of its liquor arm Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) to produce alcohol round-the-clock nationwide.

“So far, we have donated 29,300 liters of 70-percent ethyl alcohol to 77 hospitals throughout Metro Manila, as well as the Department of Health, crisis centers, local government units, law enforcement agencies, and other vital institutions. This is just the start. As we navigate through the challenges, we will continue to provide help where it’s needed,” Ang said.

He added: “This is our way of thanking and supporting all our brave doctors, nurses, policemen, military, security personnel, delivery workers, employees of vital industries and so many others who are on the frontlines of this battle, saving lives and making sure the system is in order.” 

Currently, bulk of alcohol production is being done at GSMI’s Cabuyao plant in Laguna. However, with other GSMI facilities mobilized to produce the same rubbing alcohol, supply is seen to widen and benefit more Filipinos nationwide.

“Right now we are only able to serve NCR, but we have already mobilized our other facilities to produce alcohol as well for nationwide delivery,” Ang added. 

These include Ginebra plants in Mandaue, Cebu; Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan; Destileria Bago in Negros Occidental, Cauayan, Isabela, and Ligao, Albay.