Thread by @inquirerdotnet

THREAD: Meat processors are afraid we might run out of canned goods in Luzon next month. But it’s not because there are no raw materials available.

It’s because of the checkpoints, and the problematic definition of what essential cargoes can get in and out.| @roycanivel_inq

@roycanivel_inq Only cargoes deemed essential like food and medicine are allowed in government checkpoints here in Luzon. The DTI itself said these cargoes should be unhampered. #COVID19PH | @roycanivel_inq

@roycanivel_inq But because the authorities do not have a clear grasp of how even the smallest part in the supply chain is important for food production, the definition of what counts as essential varies. #COVID19PH | @roycanivel_inq

@roycanivel_inq “What’s hindering the manufacturing operations now is the packaging materials. The LGUs manning the checkpoints don’t recognize the tin can, the label, & the flexible film as inputs to food production,” said Rex Agarrado, PAMPI spokesperson, in a phone interview. |@roycanivel_inq

@roycanivel_inq He said the government should include the packaging industry among the businesses exempted from the quarantine. #COVID19PH | @roycanivel_inq

@roycanivel_inq “The government should also allow the exemption of workers in the packaging industry because we are all linked. If we have a production, but we don’t have tin cans or any label, then supermarkets don’t get their products,” he said. #COVID19PH | @roycanivel_inq

@roycanivel_inq The letter was addressed to DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez. He has not yet responded to a request for comment. #COVID19PH | @roycanivel_inq

@roycanivel_inq Century Pacific Food, a PAMPI member company, said it has enough supply.

Although this might look contradictory, PAMPI itself has confirmed that the letter was true, but it was only meant to be seen by DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, not the public. #COVID19PH | @roycanivel_inq

@roycanivel_inq DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez:

“Shortage is not true. They are producing everyday. All food companies are allowed to produce everyday. And cargoes [are] allowed to move unhampered.” #COVID19PH | @roycanivel_inq

@roycanivel_inq Lopez: “There were just implementation glitches [in the] first two days of ECQ [enhanced community quarantine] since some trucks stopped at checkpoints. That’s why perhaps they wrote me. But cargo movement has already improved on Day 3 onward.” #COVID19PH | @roycanivel_inq

@roycanivel_inq Lopez: “Because the manufacturer has inventories in their warehouse, in their distributors and in the supermarket, up to the sarisari and convenience stores, which if you add up can be around 1 and a half to 2 months [worth of] inventory.” #COVID19PH | @roycanivel_inq