MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Wednesday gave assurance of food security amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, with food companies’ production capacity at 80 to 90 percent.
DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez explained that the agency has allowed local producers to operate beyond 50 percent of its workforce to boost food supply even while the enhanced community quarantine over Luzon and other regions is in place.
“Sa pagkain po wala po tayong problem. In fact, 80 to 90 percent ang production capacity at utilization ng operation ng food companies,” Lopez said in a public briefing.
(We have no problem when it comes to food. In fact, the production capacity and utilization of food companies’ operation is at 80 to 90 percent.)
The shortages felt by consumers, Lopez explained, were due to the skeletal work force implemented in order to practice social distancing amid the pandemic.
“Kung ano man ‘yung shortages na nararamdaman, dahil lamang sa maikling pag-limit sa output nila dahil sinundan yung skeletal workforce requirement para may social distancing,” he said.
(Whatever shortages were felt, it is because of the limit imposed on their output by implementing a skeletal work force so that there would be social distancing.)
Even if the increased production capacity was allowed, Lopez said companies are advised to maintain social distancing in their operations.
“Ngayon, ang ni-require po natin, kahit lumagpas sa 50 percent, requirement pa rin mag social distancing, mag-redesign sila ng operations. Ang importante, di po magkaroon ng shortage,” he said.
(Now, even if they go beyond 50 percent, it is still a requirement to practice social distancing. They should redesign their operations. What’s important is that there will be no shortage.)
Earlier, DTI has allowed more businesses to operate to ensure the steady supply of necessities.
Operations now allowed are companies involved “in the supply chain of food and essential products, medicine and medical products, such as the production of raw and processed materials, packaging and other inputs, including the manufacturing and distribution.”