SMC purchases 4M kilos of surplus corn as help for farmers

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is partnering with the Department of Agriculture (DA) in mass purchasing agricultural produce, specifically 4 million kilos of surplus corn to help local farmers and increase the country’s food supply amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most of the corn will be harvested from a 25,000-hectare farm located in Cagayan while some are still under the process of identification.

Also, SMC is also in talks of closing a deal with the DA in utilizing Petron stations nationwide for the government’s “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” rolling store program.

The program seeks to ease the consumers’ need to buy fresh farm produce in a more convenient way at a reasonable price.

“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,” SMC president and COO Ramon S. Ang said.

SMC and DA are considering Filinvest, Dasmariñas/EDSA, and Katipunan/La Vista as the venues for the government’s Kadiwa stores.

“By helping them, we will also ensure that we get the needed raw material supplies for our various food products,” Ang added.