MANILA -- Beverage company Coca-Cola Philippines is redirecting its PHP150-million budget for advertisement to support relief and response efforts amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak.
“It is in this light that the Coca-Cola System in the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia has decided that all commercial advertising of Coca-Cola and all our brands will be put on hold, effective immediately,” Coca-Cola Philippines president and general manager Winn Everhart said in a statement Friday.
The company said the PHP150 million would be diverted to help meet the daily hydration needs of health workers and front-liners.
It has begun delivering beverages to hospitals, it added.
The company has partnered with TOWNS Foundation and the UP Medical Foundation to provide health workers with personal protective equipment.
It will also give relief goods to the most vulnerable families and communities by partnering with Caritas Manila and Rise Against Hunger.
Coca-Cola Philippines will give expanded credit items to its distribution partners that serve sari-sari stores and carinderias.
“We are deeply concerned about the growing impact of Covid-19 in the Philippines, especially in the most vulnerable parts of our communities. It has always been people first for the company, as a matter of principle,” Everhart said. (PNA)
