2GO Group Inc., one of the country’s largest logistics companies, committed to continue providing essential transportation services to businesses despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following the takeover of conglomerate SM Investments Corp., 2GO said it would ensure the “unhindered flow” of goods such as consumer and medical supplies, farm products, food, finished goods and raw materials in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
“2GO continues to reinforce its role as an essential business and reliable partner that its customers and the country can count on,” 2GO Group chief operating officer Waldo Basilla said in a statement.
“We are cognizant of the important part we need to play to help energize the economy in the service of areas and sectors heavily impacted by the crisis,” he added.
A host of businesses, including smaller enterprises, are reliant on 2GO logistics services and nationwide network.
“The pandemic has likewise displaced the livelihood of numerous Filipinos, many of whom have become social entrepreneurs selling products online,” 2GO noted.
“2GO Express recognized the requirements of these MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) and supported them by providing solutions that connect sellers and buyers through its pickup and delivery services across the Philippines,” the company added.
As of the first half of the year, it had delivered a total of 97,173 twenty-foot equivalent units using its container ships, the company said.
2GO services a total of 18 ports of call nationwide and its network continued to expand.
As of July, it expanded to Tagbilaran City in Bohol with weekly services. It also expanded its operations to Davao and General Santos.
“To ensure our ships are able to call on the various ports in the Philippines safely, 2GO ensures crew and public well-being by instituting highest health protocols and standards on board our ships,” Basilla said.
The company also partnered with US-based shipping giant FedEx Express allowing businesses in the country to send goods overseas.
A shareholder of 2GO since 2017, SM Investments increased its ownership to a controlling stake after Davao-based businessman Dennis A. Uy’s Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp. exited the company last June.