SMC lends out support to stranded seafarers

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

The San Miguel Corporation (SMC) shifted its focus in helping the stranded maritime workers who have been staying outside the Manila North Harbor after flights and sea travels were again suspended by the national government.

SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang, through his Better World Tondo (BWT), has been dishing out free meals three times a day to all stranded seafarers and employees.

Aside from the hot and free meal packs, the BWT also gave out financial assistance to all stranded personnel.

“When we learned of their plight, of having to stay and sleep at the seaport as they wait to return home, we immediately alerted our people at our Better World Tondo, our feeding and learning center there, which also operates as a food bank. We already serve daily meals and provide grocery packs to the local community, so helping out the seafarers was the natural thing to do,” Ang said.

Every day around 500 meal packs are handed out by SMC from breakfast until dinner on top of the financial help that is given “just so they can bring something home to their families.”

“We really empathize with them. Just like any Filipino, they would want to get home to their families during this time of crisis. However, there’s also the need to comply with restrictions and policies on travel. As they are caught in a tough situation, we figured the least we could do is ensure they are fed, healthy, and well,” Ang added.