The group of companies led by billionaire Enrique K. Razon has so far provided P1.5 billion in “social investments” to the Philippines, aiding the government in implementing economic recovery initiatives.
In a statement, International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) EVP Christian R. Gonzales said the amount was spent on the purchase and rollout of vaccines, quarantine and testing facilities, hunger alleviation, and assistance to front line workers.
“The battle to turn the tide of this pandemic continues, and there is no room for complacency. It is imbibed in our corporate culture to help where we can, and we will continue to do that beyond this pandemic,” he said.
To recall, ICTSI led private sector efforts in assisting the government purchase vaccines: the first 3 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines, where ICTSI sponsored 300,000 doses, half of which were donated to the national government and half to local government units; and the 20 million doses of Moderna vaccines, where 13 million doses were allotted to the public sector and 7 million to the private sector.
It also installed a temporary cold storage and drive-through vaccination facility at the Nayong Pilipino Foundation property in Paranaque City.
ICTSI and Bloomberry Resort Corp. likewise retrofitted portions of the Solaire Resort and Casino into vaccination areas
Furthermore, Bloomberry and Prime Infrastructure Holdings Inc. assisted the government in retrofitting existing public infrastructure into quarantine and isolation facilities, namely: the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, and a part of the Philippine General Hospital.
They also built a 600-bed quarantine facility in Entertainment City.
ICTSI Foundation also participated in the distribution of food to affected communities in the Manila International Container Terminal, and provided protective equipment and supplies to medical facilities and health centers in various local governments in the country.
The Razon-led company also provided scholarships and learning materials and equipment to various students and schools nationwide.
“The social investment is worth it as we see lives saved and the economy gradually opening.”