Shell donates N95 face masks to DOH, UP-PGH

As the rush to secure personal protection equipment (PPE) continues unabated amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Shell Philippines has stepped up to the plate by making much-needed donations of N95 face masks to those who most need them: frontliners in the fight against the virus.

“We learned of the dilemma of our frontliners, our everyday heroes, struggling to have their basic mask as part of their PPEs,” said Cesar Abaricia of Shell Philippines external relations. “We donated 5,000 face masks for UP-PGH (University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital) and DOH (Department of Health)... We salute all our health workers fighting against Covid-19.”

Abaricia added to Zigwheels.ph that the firm hopes to send our more PPE supplies, should it be able to source more, to those who need it most. The firm is also donating its Select Water to seven hospitals, and is leveraging its retail network to give “food packs, biscuits and water for medical workers, police force, and military personnel, and logistics drivers.”

Shell also donated to the Municipality of Pasacao, Camarines Sur toward the purchase of relief goods for indigent families, and is a partner of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation in its pandemic response.

Shell Philippines has initiated its “Project Shelter” in response to the pandemic. Employees have been given flexible working arrangements, and the company has made available financial assistance instruments such as emergency loans. Shell is also providing virtual counseling services, as well as a 24-hour “Tele-Medicine” service to “minimize staff exposure to hospitals and clinics.” If needed, staff members can access “temporary accommodation and transportation support needed for business continuity.”

Meantime, the firm said on its website (shell.com.ph) that it has “business continuity plans in place to sustain (its) operations.” Malampaya is still online, providing “30% of Luzon’s power needs,” it continued, and promised to strive to continue providing "vital energy products to... customers and communities."

For forecourt staff, Shell provides accommodations in its stations – plus transportation to and from work, face masks, and alcohol for when they are on duty and when traveling to and from work.  Staffers are also provided meals when on duty; financial support is extended to those grounded by the quarantine.

In photo, Shell country health advisor Dra. Rose Rivera (third from right) leads Shell officials in turning over 3,000 N95 face masks to Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje. Also in photo are (from left): Shell country occupational health nurse Patrick Jeremillo, DOH Director Gloria Balboa, Assistant Secretary Kenneth Ronquillo, Usec. Gerry Bayugo, Usec. Rosette Vergeire, and Asec. Nestor Santiago.

Photo courtesy of Shell Philippines