One of the current situation’s biggest challenges is for households to have a continuous supply of essentials. Needless to say, quarantine restrictions coupled with the threat of infection have resulted in logistical difficulties unlike anything the Philippines has ever experienced.
This is what motivates the employees at Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) Integrated Supply Chain (ISC) department. The ISC plays a very crucial role in bringing food to the table. By whatever means necessary, the group also has to make sure that every nook and cranny in the country is covered.
Cavite plant team along with other plants of URC around the country ensures uninterrupted provision of food and beverage.
Ready for the worst-case scenario
To ensure the uninterrupted provision of food, everyone on Joannie Festejo’s ISC team is working doubly hard to guarantee that systems will function smoothly. “From production all the way to Retail,” said Joannie, ISC’s Planning & Logistics director. “Naiintindihan namin na napakahalaga na palaging mayroong pagkain sa bawat hapag-kainan,”
Working in the logistics side of supply chain, Joannie constantly collaborates with her team to meet immediate supply requirements. “With the quarantine in full implementation, we have been impacted significantly, but we are lucky to have had a very good footing in terms of inventory before all this happened.”
She shared that when news of coronavirus circulated early this year, their team had already taken measures to secure food supply by adjusting their inventory and production, to suit a worst-case situation.
Utilizing their niche as a springboard, the supply chain department is now planning a longer-term response to support recovery and stabilize food security. 
Supply chain prepared and took measures to ensure food security amid ECQ
Keeping the supply chain going
Stationed in South Luzon, Joselito Espiritu tirelessly distributes food supplies from seven warehouse locations to consumers and even front-liners. Joselito, who is an area manager for Supply Chain Operations, draws inspiration from the people around him.
“Maraming sakripisyo talaga,” Joselito related. ”Yung mga warehouse men namin, doble kayod maihatid lang ang mga gamit. Minsan naglalakad papunta sa trabaho, apat o limang checkpoints pa ang dadaanan. Pero syempre, sa ganitong panahon, ang ipagpapauna nating higit ay ‘yung mga umaasa at ‘yung mga nangangailangan.”
Working in the food manufacturing industry for the past 20 years has shown Joselito the noble nature of his job. He knows he has to be strong now despite his fears, since other people count on him. “May takot talaga, pero kailangan magpatuloy dahil ang konting kabawasan sa amin ay malaking kabawasan sa atin as a whole. Sabi nga sa amin, laban lang. Basta hangga’t may lumalaban para sa amin, lalaban din kami.”
When asked what fuels him to keep working even during a situation like this, Joselito said that he only seeks to give back to URC, which has always been looking after his welfare.
Supply Chain remains focused and resilient amid trying times.
Poch Agnir, ISC’s VP, is honored to be working alongside hard-working men and women who manage to shine through, in spite of the hurdles they now face.
"I am proud of every person in our entire Supply Chain for showing heroism and malasakit at this tough time. We are committed to rise to the challenge so we can provide our products to the people we serve. Our consumers inspire us to keep going!"
Working with a sense of urgency and a greater purpose, the supply chain team continues to ensure that the nourishment needs of Filipinos will be met during this unprecedented crisis. Along with other heroic efforts from different sectors, they know that their contribution to maintaining the supply chain and keeping trusted URC products available, can help see families through the quarantine period.
