Small business owners who rely on daily sales are hard-hit by the rising health crisis. The government has taken measures to review policies on how to provide financial assistance to this sector.
At the same time, large private corporations heeded the call to utilize its resources and assist the vulnerable segments of the economy. One such corporation is ARC Refreshments Corp. (ARC), the Philippine manufacturer and distributor of RC Cola Products.
ARC has been in the forefront of disaster relief since it launched its corporate social responsibility endeavor in 2012. Dubbed as #RCColaborate, the company rolled out programs and activities that foster leadership among the youth and providing community support in times of crisis.
Today, ARC is one with the nation in this fight against COVID-19.
With the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), dealers and store owners had difficulty getting their stocks due to increased checkpoints and lack of transportation. This also added to their operations cost.
ARC recognized the need to provide business support for their loyal partners. The company immediately rolled out promos and discounts to assist business partners nationwide.
“Thank you for the promo, discounts, and free products provided to wholesalers at the checkpoint area,” a dealer from Maragusan, Davao de Oro remarked. “We hope for this continuous support. This is a big help for our business especially during this crisis.”
“We are grateful that RC Cola provided free drinks at the checkpoint area and discounts for dealers. This will greatly help our business during the quarantine,” another dealer from Iloilo said. “Trucks cannot enter our area and we had difficulty obtaining stocks. These promos and discounts are a great help to give us additional income.”
ARC recognizes the unique contribution of its local resellers and distributors such as sari-sari store owners and carinderias, to the success of the company’s flagship brands – RC Cola, Juicy Lemon, Seetrus, Fruit Soda Orange, Arcy’s Rootbeer, and Rite ‘N Lite.
Since March 2020, ARC donated a total of P12,561,616 worth of assistance to all its business partners nationwide. Any sales collected by business partners will serve as their fund capital to sustain their store operations and continue earning.
“Our local business partners are integral in the success of ARC’s business. They supported and promoted our products. ARC believes that it is our social responsibility to continue our assistance especially in times like these,” said James Loverio, Head of Marketing, ARC Refreshments Corp.
“These local store owners are part of the country’s economic backbone. They need our support to sustain our business ecosystem.”
The COVID-19 crisis calls for a unified Filipino spirit. The collaborative efforts of every segment of our society is one of our tools for success against this dreadful disease.
As a wholly-owned Filipino company, ARC demonstrates a genuine business value of “bayanihan”, by creating a perfect balance between pursuit of bottom line and giving back to the community.