SMC to partner with more LGUs, socio-civic groups as it expands nationwide program to help disinfect public spaces

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) food unit San Miguel Foods is expanding its program to help disinfect public spaces nationwide as part of a continuing effort to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19 amid the further easing of pandemic restrictions.

The program, to date, has benefited 100 barangays and has been regularly sanitizing public facilities in high-traffic areas around the country. These include public markets, barangay centers, farms and other community hubs.

SMC president Ramon S. Ang said that for several months now, its Food business’ Animal Health Care team has been going around the country to conduct disinfection of places and areas frequented by the public, as well as streets and households, for free.

The initiative aims to help limit the spread of harmful viruses, particularly COVID-19, with the gradual reopening of the economy resulting in increased movement of people, and higher foot traffic at public markets and other commercial and public areas.

“Despite the lifting of some restrictions and the ramping up of the vaccination rollout, we are still in a pandemic. Adhering to strict hygiene practices still remains very important. Routine disinfecting of high-touch surfaces and shared spaces is a key part of the strategy to help prevent the spread of germs and viruses and guard against a possible outbreak,” Ang said.He added: “We are committed to continuing this effort, and we are open to partnering with socio-civic organizations who want to take up this advocacy and bring it to more locations nationwide."

SMC utilizes its own product, Protect Plus Gold, a broad-spectrum disinfectant that can kill 500 strains of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, including COVID-19 and other disease-causing microorganisms.

It is the same product that the company donated last year, during the early months of the pandemic, to sanitize hospitals, critical installations, and government offices--alongside its donations of 70% ethyl alcohol disinfectant to medical facilities and front liners.

Initially, Ang said the product was sold as a disinfectant for animal farms, however, scientific studies proved it is as effective against human disease-causing microorganisms.

Acting as a one-step disinfectant, sanitizer, and cleaner, the product, a formulation of Potassium Monopersulfate Triple Salt, is able to reduce cross-contamination even in crowded areas, requiring only a brief contact time to ensure complete disinfection.

It is safe to use even on food-contact surfaces, has no unpleasant smell and retains its effectivity even when exposed to direct sunlight. The product is also safe to use around people, pets, and is non-corrosive, and non-irritant.

As an oxidizing agent disinfectant, it decomposes over time in the environment--whether in soil, water, or solid surfaces--breaking down into harmless substances that make it environment-friendly, Ang said.

SMC has been conducting house-to-house disinfection in various towns in Pangasinan, Benguet, and Tarlac; barangays in Marikina, San Juan, and Taytay in the National Capital Region (NCR). Disinfection has also been conducted at farms in barangays in Batangas, Cavite, Capiz, Saranggani, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, and Caraga.

Disinfection of stores at public markets has also been done in Masbate, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Albay, and Catanduanes.

The initiative also got a boost when the San Miguel unit partnered with Rotary Club District 3800, for disinfection activities at select areas in Malabon, Navotas, Caloocan Valenzuela, Marikina, San Mateo, Antipolo, Taytay, Cainta, Pasig, San Juan, and Mandaluyong.