7 April 2020, Manila, Philippines—Unilever, the global consumer goods manufacturer of brands including Dove, Knorr, Domex and Surf, announced a wide-ranging set of measures to support efforts to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
The company’s actions are designed to help protect the lives and livelihoods of its multiple stakeholders – including its consumers and communities, its customers and suppliers, and its workforce.
In a bid to support the government’s call for continued supply of basic goods and services through the Enhanced Community Quarantine, Unilever Philippines has streamlined its operations to continue providing essential food and hygiene products.
“As a company built on Malasakit, Unilever remains committed to care for our employees, our partners, and our communities. We have a responsibility to help and we are ready to share our capabilities and resources to address this crisis,“ said Benjie Yap, Unilever Philippines Chairman and CEO.
Malasakit for All
Unilever has enabled its office-based employees to work from home and implemented safety measures for its site and field-based employees such as provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and shuttle services.
The company also announced its commitment for 100% guaranteed pay for all employees that are unable to work due to the constraints brought about by the ECQ, as well as other incentives that help with meals and PPE for its skeletal workforce in the factories, distribution centers, and field sales.
Recognizing the support needed by the retail value chain, Unilever Philippines pledged a Php 1 Billion cash flow relief for vulnerable customers and early payment for financially constrained, small suppliers. “It is our hope that through this cash flow relief, business partners that rely primarily on Unilever are able to sustain their operations and the livelihood of their people. Business continuity with our customers and suppliers is a very important consideration for us,” Yap shared.
Consistent with its drive to “Win with Purpose”, Unilever immediately activated its “Get Involved, Volunteer and Enable Sustainability” program (“Unilever GIVES”) to provide hygiene and food packs and PPEs for government hospitals and communities in need.
Unilever has set aside Php100 million worth of products to support its humanitarian efforts in coordination with local governments, public and private hospitals, and various foundations and non-government organizations.
“Unilever has been part of Filipino lives for over 90 years and it is a privilege to be able to continue serving our medical front liners and vulnerable communities,” said Ed Sunico, Vice President for Sustainable Business and Communications.
Bayanihan Spirit is Alive
At the onset of the crisis, Unilever shared that its employees have also mobilized to extend help using their personal resources. Some have organized ‘food for frontliners’ initiatives, while others have become channels to broaden the reach of the Unilever GIVES program.
Unilever employees have also organized a fundraising program to purchase personal protective equipment for health workers and the company has pledged to match the amount bringing the total amount for donation to over Php 2 million.
Global Commitment to Covid-19 Pandemic
Last week, Unilever announced a global commitment to contribute more than €100m to continue helping people around the world. The company will contribute €100m to help the fight against the pandemic through donations of soap, sanitizer, bleach and will offer €500m of cash flow relief to support livelihoods across its extended value chain.
Unilever Philippines pledges ‘Malasakit for All’ amidst Covid-19 crisis and commits to a wide-range of actions designed to protect the lives and livelihood of its communities, partners, and employees.
Through its advocacy program, Unilever GIVES, the company is able to provide hygiene and food packs and PPEs for government hospitals and communities in need.