‘Malasakit for All’, Unilever Philippines completes purchase of vaccines for employees, dependents

CNN – Published Apr 22, 2021 4:30:17 PM

Metro Manila — In line with its commitment to ensuring the safety of its employees and their dependents, Unilever Philippines announced the completion of its purchase agreements of COVID-19 vaccines under its ‘Malasakit for All’ program.

“We believe that the vaccines are key to protecting lives and livelihoods in the long term and we support the government in its efforts to ensure equitable supply and access,” said Benjie Yap, chairman, and CEO of Unilever Philippines. “As we rely on our economic frontliners to provide essential goods throughout this period, our vaccination program is an assurance that the safety and wellbeing of our employees and their families continue to be our priority.”

The company said employees are only strongly encouraged to get inoculated, which is being supported by information campaigns and consultation with medical experts to boost vaccine confidence among workers.

Unilever also said immunization guidelines set by the government will be followed. It also seeks to donate vaccine supply for public use in coordination with national authorities.

Early response and humanitarian efforts vs. COVID-19

To ensure accessibility of testing among employees and their families, Unilever continued its program with the Philippine Red Cross. It also worked with medical response teams for its ‘Malasakit Centers’ that serve as temporary accommodation for employees who are unable to isolate themselves in their homes or their local facilities.

In March 2020, Unilever announced a global commitment to contribute more than €100 million to continue helping people around the world through donations of soap, sanitizer, bleach, and an offer of €500 million of cash flow relief to support livelihoods across its extended value chain.

Unilever Philippines also unveiled its ‘Malasakit for All’ program covering P100 million donations of food and hygiene products, P1 billion cash aid for vulnerable customers and small suppliers, and 100% guaranteed to pay for employees who are unable to work due to the community restrictions.

Aside from these, the company also donated ventilators and personal protective equipment to help the country’s pandemic response. This was done with the assistance of Zuellig Pharma, Metro Drug, and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation.

A partnership with the Philippine Public Health Association was also announced to strengthen nationwide hygiene practices and ensure accessibility of affordable and effective cleaning products such as Domex, Lifebuoy, Closeup, Breeze, and Surf.

“Through our purpose-driven brands, we continue to find ways to extend assistance and ‘malasakit’ where it is needed,” said Ed Sunico, Unilever’s vice president for communication in South East Asia.

Unilever Philippines has also partnered with other members of the private sector for wide-ranging programs on health and sustainability for the benefit of consumers and communities in need.

SOURCE: https://cnnphilippines.com/lifestyle/2021/4/22/unilever-philippines-completes-purchase-of-vaccines-for-employees-dependents.html?_=1619080360091