Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI)—the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country — prepares for disasters as it observes National Disaster Consciousness Month.

PCPPI developed a comprehensive emergency response plan to protect its employees, properties, and company operations against potential risks should a disaster occur.

Mapped out in the plan are the immediate actions in times of natural and man-made incidents like fire, earthquake, typhoon, medical and security emergencies, and, recently added, volcanic eruption. PCPPI also detailed the preparations pre-disaster, emergency response during the event, and post-disaster assessment.

As an added precaution, the company offered disaster resiliency and preparedness training for its employees as part of their celebration of National Disaster Consciousness Month. The training was conducted by the Muntinlupa City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office last July 28, 2021.

Manufacturing plants that might be affected by the Taal Volcano unrest also intensified their preparedness since the eruption in 2020. Part of the contingency plan is addressing the harmful effects of volcanic ash on plant structure and operations, and employees’ health. The company also set measures to secure employees and their immediate families living within the 14-kilometer danger zone in case of eruption and provide their essential needs such as food, shuttle service, and personal protective equipment.

These plants also created a spill prevention and control plan to avoid accidental leaks that may happen during an earthquake or volcanic eruption. “This is to protect the environment and human health from exposure to hazardous substances,” PCPPI president and chief executive officer, Frederick D. Ong said.

“Natural calamities like the pandemic, Taal Volcano and earthquake are threats to our people’s health and safety. PCPPI assures its employees, customers, and stakeholders that business contingency plans are in place. All critical points are covered to ensure unhampered operations and to protect the health, safety, lives, and livelihood of internal and external partners,” Ong added.

PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of well-known beverage brands in the Philippines: Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Sting, Premier, Milkis, and Aquafina.