San Miguel ups alcohol production as facilities operate round-the-clock

Facilities of diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) are now operating round-the-clock to be able to increase the production of ethyl alcohol to 100,000 liters per day.

In a statement, SMC said facilities of its liquor arm Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) across the country are now operating non-stop to increase production of 70% ethyl alcohol, used as a disinfectant and sanitizer.

"This is just the start. As we navigate through the challenges, we will continue to provide help where it's needed," said SMC president and COO Ramon Ang.

The company said it has already donated 29,300 liters of 70% ethyl alcohol to 77 hospitals and other institutions across Metro Manila.

At present, production is being done at the GSMI Cabuyao Plant in Laguna, but more plants are set to be mobilized such as those in Mandaue, Cebu; Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan; Destileria Bago, Negros Occidental; Cauayan, Isabela; and Ligao, Albay.

"This is our way of thanking and supporting all our brave doctors, nurses, policemen, military, security personnel, delivery workers, employees of vital industries, and so many others who are on the frontline of this battle, saving lives and making sure the system is in order," said Ang.

SMC earlier said its food facilities -- through San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. -- would operate 24/7 to ensure food supply amid the enhanced community quarantine placed over Metro Manila.

From 12:00 a.m. on March 17, the entire Luzon was placed on enhanced community quarantine until April 13, restricting travel within the region in efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.

As of Tuesday, March 24, there were a total of 552 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines.

There have been 35 fatalities in the country, while 20 have since recovered.—AOL, GMA News