Petron and San Miguel team up to help farmers

MANILA: On top of almost P1 billion worth of assistance to various communities and sectors affected by COVID-19, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has just purchased four million kilos of surplus corn from the Department of Agriculture (DA). This corn will now be made available to the public in select Petron stations in Metro Manila.

And this is just the beginning. SMC plans to purchase more agricultural produce in order to give farmers income while also getting the food supply into the densely populated National Capital Region (NCR).

“Through this program with the Agricultural department, we will be able to keep our farmers afloat as we navigate these uncertain times. At the same time, we also help people stay safe, healthy and nourished by providing them a convenient way to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from our local farmers,” said SMC president and COO Ramon S. Ang.

Currently, Petron stations in Filinvest, Dasmarinas/Edsa and Katipunan/La Vista will participate in the program but SMC is eyeing more gas stations in the coming days.

Expect fruits and vegetables to be available in the coming days as the DA utilizes Petron stations as venues for the “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” rolling store program.

Meat is also available in Petron stations as SMC’s Manukang Bayan refrigerated vans come along with fresh chicken and other refrigerated and canned meats.

“We thank the DA for helping us identify possible sources of corn and cassava and farmers who are in need of help. By helping them, we will also ensure that we get the needed raw material supplies for our various food products,” added Ang.

SMC is now sourcing out cassava in Tuguegarao and is making a call to farmers nationwide to supply rice, corn, sweet potato, coconut oil, and other farm products with the promise that it will be bought at guaranteed prices for the farmers' benefit.