Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP), the official distributor of Geely vehicles in the country, received a proposal in which one can say unusual. Wheng Clemente, a fisherfolk from Paombong, Bulacan, asked SGAP if she could acquire Geely billboard tarpaulins in exchange for at least 120 kilos of fish.
Clemente said that the tarpaulins will be used for the community’s fishery business. It will serve as protection from the land beside the river since Clemente’s place is a catch basin, a challenge during the rainy season.
Photo from Heaven's Touch Cuisines
“Catch basin po kasi ang lugar namin. ‘Yung tarpaulin po kasi ang magsisilbing protection sa lupa sa tabi ng ilog para hindi ‘to gumuho papunta sa ilog tuwing umuulan. Tuwing gumuguho kasi ‘yung lupa, malaki ang nalulugi sa kabuhayan namin at ng iba pa naming mga kapitbahay,” Clemente said.
(“Our area is installed with a catch basin. The tarpaulin will serve as protection for our land near the river in the event of rain. Every time our land crumbles, our livelihood, including our neighbors, is affected.”)
Photo from Kawa Pilipinas
As for SGAP, it sees Clemente’s proposal as too good to pass up. As such, it accepted the proposal and decided to donate the fishes to Walang Iwanan Alliance, Kawa Pilipinas, and Heaven’s Touch Cuisines. These are charity groups that organize feeding programs in the country.
“It’s a win-win-win solution for everybody. Win because we get to recycle, support our local fish farmers, and at the same time give back to the community in these times,” said Ryan Isana, SGAP Marketing Manager.
The 7-seater Geely Okavango in action
Thanks to the Geely Okavango’s large size, the fishes were delivered safely to the said charity groups with the second and third-row seats folded down. Around 600 people were fed in Manila and Pasay with the donated 120 kilos of tilapia. This happened a day before the National Capital Region is placed once again under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
Since the disruption brought by the COVID-19 virus in the country, Filipinos are finding different ways to help their fellow countrymen get back on their feet. SGAP is also taking part in helping the country adapt to the new normal of living. It donated surgical masks to the Department of Health (DOH) in the hope to prevent the further spread of the virus.
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