MANILA -- Now on its 45th year of operations in the Philippines, canned goods manufacturer Mega Global Corp. remains optimistic amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

In a recent virtual briefing, executives of the company behind the household brand Mega Sardines shared how they have been dealing with the "new normal" brought about by COVID-19, as well as their future plans.

They said the pandemic has pushed Mega Global's factories to the limit, producing 2 million canned goods daily not only to meet the increased requirement of customers, but also for relief efforts.

The company has been donating canned goods and medical supplies, and has provided over 40,000 home-cooked meals to checkpoints officers, barangay health workers and volunteers, supermarket staff, bank staff, security guards, and street dwellers under its Mega Malasakit Kitchen project.

"Whenever there is a calamity or a national emergency, we go into overdrive, knowing that the cans of sardines we produce may be what would sustain our kababayans for days. This is the culture of malasakit that has been ingrained in us over these four decades," said Mega Global founder and CEO William Tiu Lim.

Just like most companies, Mega Global has imposed stricter safety protocols in its factories and warehouses to protect both employees and customers, and adapted work-from-home arrangements whenever feasible.

Tiu said the pandemic also presented challenges on logistics and operations: "Our plans, especially our marketing programs, are no longer applicable. We have to be able to act fast and apply changes that we need to adapt to the situation, help the community, and address consumers' needs. Our plans moving forward from this pandemic should be future-ready and flexible."

Nevertheless, he believes Mega Global "is poised for further exponential growth" as demand continues to rise.

"Demand has been outstripping supply for the past five years," he said. "We will continue to strive to be a solid quality food provider for the Filipino."

According to Mega Global chief operating officer Michelle Tiu Lim Chan, the company has set aside around P500 million for expansion and acquisition initiatives for 2020 and 2021.

"We are allocating at least P500 million for expansion for the whole year this year and next year," she said, adding that the amount will also cover funds for plans to increase operating capacity by 20%.