As one of the top-of-mind food brands in the Philippines, KFC made the vaccination of its employees its foremost priority and undertook months of extensive preparation to ensure the inoculation of its staff, which began last July 23, would run smoothly.
It has prioritized its elderly staff, those with comorbidities, and frontline personnel in the vaccination. Jojo Marcelo, general manager at KFC Philippines, said that as early as November 2020, the fast food restaurant chain has been coordinating the purchase of vaccines via Go Negosyo’s tripartite agreement with AstraZaneca and the government.
Marcelo added that the corporate citizenship in this time of pandemic is about being an active participant in the multi-stakeholder efforts to speed up herd immunity and economic recovery, knowing that people can only feel safe once they are COVID-19 protected through vaccination.
This is why the fast food restaurant chain did everything it could since last year to ensure it is doing its share in providing convenient and free access to COVID-19 vaccines to its people, especially the economic frontliners.
The fast food restaurant chain purchased additional vaccines during the first quarter of 2021. Nearing the vaccine administration, it started an info campaign to encourage employees and educate them on the importance of getting vaccinated via its internal Facebook community where it featured testimonials of leaders who have already been vaccinated, Marcelo stressed.
Vaccination sites were set up at the fast food restaurant chain’s head office in Roces, Quezon City.
Its employees also received flu shots two weeks before their COVID-19 vaccination schedule. Free flu vaccines are provided annually to also protect them from the disease, especially during the rainy season.
While waiting for the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccines, the fast food restaurant chain instituted numerous initiatives to safeguard the health and safety of its employees and customers as part of its “Safe with KFC” thrust.
Stricter health and safety protocols in all its stores nationwide as prescribed by the government were implemented. The fast food restaurant chain also went further by mandating its employees to wash not just their hands up to their elbows.
Its chicken, on the hand, is prepared in-store and pressure fried at 185-degree Celsius to ensure food safety, freshness, and quality while locking in the flavors.
Likewise, it strictly implemented its contactless delivery protocol wherein its riders are mandated to place the orders at specified spots and then step back to observe social distancing and keep the customers safe as they receive their KFC favorites.
