As of writing, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 has affected over 500,000 people, and has caused the death of over 24,000 people worldwide. In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) also recently reported 1,418 confirmed local cases and 71 confirmed deaths.

And as COVID-19 continues to plague the country (and the world), an Enhanced Community Quarantine has been put in place. This quarantine has moved healthcare workers, police officers, military forces, and government officials to strongly advocate not just for frequent hand washing, sanitizing and disinfecting of living spaces, but also for full implementation and compliance of the stay-at-home policy, the social distancing thrust, and the community checkpoint manning initiative to help stop the further spread of the virus.

Unity in a time of a pandemic

Amidst the quarantine, several brands and organizations have expressed appreciation and support to all kinds of people helping man the frontlines. From donating millions of pesos in relief and aid, to supplying welfare, accommodations, and other provisions, these acts of compassion have served as timely reminders for our ‘kababayans’ that their hard work is highly regarded and appreciated in these crucial times.

Many companies, organizations, and individuals have contributed to the production and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPEs), face masks, gloves, and other crucial medical equipment for our healthcare workers at the frontlines as they work tirelessly to manage the patients afflicted by the virus. Some efforts and monetary donations have helped provide food packs and sanitizing kits to underprivileged communities. Others still have taught their localities to make their own alcohol solutions, disinfectants, DIY face masks, and other protective gear in the comfort of their own homes, in an effort to address their own needs; the rest, distributed to their local barangay and city officials to help implement the quarantine. LGUs have also partnered with several industries to ease the impact of the virus by providing free shuttle services for healthcare workers, free temporary shelters for the homeless, and food supplies and relief goods distribution to every resident in every barangay.

As for other frontliners such as military personnel and barangay officials manning Checkpoints to ensure that the virus no longer spreads any further, simple acts of encouragement and shows of support have helped tide them over. With the warmer summer months rolling in, beverages have become necessities to keep them hydrated, awake, and refreshed during the entirety of their shifts.

Bayanihan even in the simplest way

ARC Refreshments Corporation, manufacturer and distributor of brands such as RC Cola, Juicy Lemon, Arcy’s Rootbeer, Seetrus, Rite ‘N Lite, and Fruit Soda Orange quickly responded to the situation and recently distributed thousands of cases of its refreshments to checkpoint-manning frontliners in various locations.

To help ease the discomfort and help with hydration and relief, ARC’s own employees delivered and provided with cases of Fruit Soda Orange to checkpoints in Metro Manila, North and South Luzon, and all the way to some parts in Visayas – a simple show of support in salute of these volunteers.

Checkpoints that received these donations include Navotas, North Caloocan, Harmony Hills, Bagong Silang, C3, Quezon City, 47 checkpoints in Isabela Province, 15 checkpoints in Cagayan Province, General Trias, Bacoor, Las Pinas, Kawit, Binakayan, Canaynay, EVACOM, Rosario, Noveleta, Imus, Talon, Tagoloan, and Iloilo.

ARC has always been a company that staunchly advocates uplifting the Filipino people in many unique, fun, and helpful ways, even and especially in times of crises.

“ARC believes that it is our social responsibility to continue to uplift the Filipino spirit especially in times like these. These individuals who protect and man the checkpoints in compliance to the enhanced community quarantine guidelines are the real heroes,” said James Loverio, Head of Marketing, ARC Refreshments Corp. “We salute our kababayans for the work that they do, and hope our simple donation helps boost them during this time.”

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