The financial disruption caused by the pandemic-induced Enhanced Community Quarantine has impacted workers and businesses from all industries. With the guidelines from the government, areas under ECQ have declared the shutdown of public transportation as well as the temporary closure of establishments, disrupting the incomes and employement of millions of workers.
While it is still unknown when the “new normal” will take place, corporate social reponsibility has taken the opportunity to show its inner reserves of compassion and commitment—not just outwardly to society, but also inwardly towards hundreds or even thousands of employees.
United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI), the exclusive distributor of FOTON and Chery vehicles in the country, underscored its pledge to support all individuals that are part of its nationwide dealership network by providing financial assistance for every dealer employee across the country.
“Of course, I’m concerned about how the business will work out after this pandemic. However, at this challenging time, I’m more concerned about the daily struggles of the members of my team,” shared UAAGI President Rommel Sytin.
To date, FOTON has a total of 29 dealerships while Chery has 14 located in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Each employee from these dealerships received a cash aid from UAAGI amounting P5,000 to support their family’s basic necessities.
“I know how difficult it is to wake up in the morning with the pressure to pay rent, utilities, buy groceries and meet other family expenses. I want to ensure that despite the loss of income, my whole team will still be able to survive the day,” Sytin added.
Since some of its dealer employees reside in areas where banks are closed, UAAGI has made the money-transfer procedure more convenient by partnering with one of the country’s most accessible pawnshop chains, Cebuana Lhuiller. With close to 2,500 branches nationwide, FOTON and Chery dealer employees were able to claim their financial assistance in an instant.
“This challenge reminds me that we’re all connected like never before. We’re all in this together, and by uniting to help protect the most vulnerable, we will be able to come back stronger,” said Sytin.
The business climate in this pandemic is still very much evolving, and the end to this crisis is still very uncertain. But despite the financial challenges, UAAGI continues to monitor the situation and to look at how they can help in an authentic and meaningful way, even beyond financial contributions.
Aside from providing free shuttle service vehicle to frontliners, UAAGI has also donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Northern Mindanao Medical Center, Ospital ng Malabon, Tondo Medical Hospital, and hospitals in the City of Valenzuela through its social media promotions. UAAGI also donated relief packs to areas in the province of Pampanga.
Notwithstanding the halt of automotive manufacturer and dealer operations, UAAGI continues to reach out by utilizing the available platforms to encourage consumers to stay connected using their available resources.
“We won’t stop reaching out and sharing our blessings even after the pandemic is over. Because to UAAGI, the welfare of both employees and customers is an important matter. Walang maiiwan. Walang mapapabayaan,” Sytin concluded.