Phoenix partners with gov’t on retail stores for farm produce

PHOENIX Petroleum Philippines, Inc. has partnered with the the Agriculture and Energy departments in initiatives that aim to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to the farm sector.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange on Wednesday, the Dennis A. Uy-led oil company said it would provide spaces in its retail stations in South and Central Luzon that farmers and fisherfolk can use to sell their produce.

Participating Phoenix retail branches will allow the selling of agricultural products from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily until Dec. 31 as long as health protocols are observed, such as social distancing and the wearing of face masks and face shields.

“With this initiative, we will be able to help farmers and fisherfolk by giving them a new channel to offer their products, and additional support that will alleviate their fuel expenses, and ultimately help soften the blow of the pandemic to their livelihood,” Phoenix Senior Vice President Alan Raymond T. Zorrilla said.

Phoenix will also offer fuel discounts of up to P4 until the end of the year to registered beneficiaries that may be availed in selected retail stations in Luzon.

It will also establish a dedicated fleet program for participating farmers and fisherfolk with fuel needs of at least 2,000 liters per month.

Qualified applicants under the program will enjoy features such as cashless transactions, additional payment terms, and comprehensive reports.

In addition, Phoenix will also donate P50,000 worth of fuel, which will be given through the Department of Agriculture.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent quarantine measures imposed in different cities nationwide, the distribution of agricultural goods have been affected, leaving farmers and fishermen with limited livelihood opportunities. We recognize these challenges that have been brought upon Filipinos, including those in the agriculture sector,” said Ericson S. Inocencio, Phoenix general manager for retail sales. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave