Ministop Philippines Continues to Serve amid COVID Pandemic
It’s a thumbs up from Chona Gallano and Edwin Ostonal, to show assurance that things are okay at Ministop stores
Facing the challenges of COVID-19 head on, Ministop remains open to service the Filipino communities nationwide, with the food and health sector advised by government to continue operations. Health and safety precautions and the enhanced community quarantine in many parts of the country have presented challenges in operations, with Ministop frontliners, franchisees, and support departments now relying heavily on remote communication, teamwork, and building morale to keep the business going.
Customers line up at the counter of a Ministop store during the enhanced community quarantine
“It was truly inspiring to be surrounded by the teams from Head Office, the Distribution Center, Franchise partners to our frontliners, who passionately showed that small actions lead to the big difference together in this business in unusual times. The sama-sama (collaborative), tulong-tulong (helping each other) spirit was greatly manifested by the Ministop family as we continue to fulfill and serve the needs of the shoppers and the communities,” shared Bong Dela Cruz, General Manager of Ministop.
Ministop Store Employee Mark Valdespinosa rides his bike to work
“Sa gitna ng COVID-19 outbreak na kinakaharap ng buong mundo, mas pinili ko pa rin ang pumasok kahit alam kong mahihirapan ako. Lahat kakayanin para po sa pamilya at para sa mga taong nangangailangan din ng service ko.” (“Amid the COVID-19 outbreak now faced by the whole world, I chose to go to work even if I know it would be difficult. I am doing all of this for my family and those who need my service.”) - Hilda Bagalay, Ministop Operations.
Mobility is a major challenge given the suspension of public transport, and Ministop employees opted riding their bikes to work and carpooling. Different support groups also rendered store duty with the Operations team, while franchisees provided food, shelter and transportation to their store personnel. Mobile group chats have also served crucial in creating systematic and safe channels to communicate effectively, both for coordination as well as uplifting each other during these trying times.
Netizens have also shown their support to the stores and their appreciation of Ministop’s reliability.
“More than the income, what keeps me going, what drives me to keep operating my stores is the thought that I am helping my team members earn a living for their families, you will appreciate their perseverance amidst the risk they face of being exposed to the COVID 19 disease. It is also the opportunity to be able to continue serving our customers in need. It is more of a pay-back kind of thing. In our small way, we get to contribute to our community, and we are able to provide their basic needs and food that makes their lives more convenient,” said Alan Lee, Ministop Franchisee.
“WE DON'T STOP IN MINISTOP”
Ministop Frontliner JM Corpuz proudly showcases the brand’s bestseller, Uncle John’s Fried Chicken
"What touched me most was how quickly our frontliners adapted to the lockdown to ensure that Ministop stores remain open and have goods available to our customers in the communities. Many of them did so with significant personal sacrifices. We salute all our frontliners like you in making sure we don't stop at Ministop," said David Goh, Managing Director of Ministop.