The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) receives a fleet of disaster response-ready Foton Tornados to help alleviate hunger in the COVID-19 pandemic. Foton Philippines is managed by the United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI), and they are one of the largest commercial vehicle manufacturers in all of Asia.
“Ngayong mag-i-ECQ, maraming kababayan natin ang maaring nawawalan ng trabaho so, naisipan po ng ating National Headquarters, specially ni Charman Gordon itong mga Food Truck natin para makatuloing sa mga barangay, mga lugar na mahihirapan maka-access sa safe and nutritious food.”
Translated, the quote reads: “Under ECQ, many of our countrymen may lose their jobs. So our National Headquarters, headed by Chairman Gordon, thought of using food trucks to help barangays and areas that could have a hard time accessing safe and nutritious food.”
The Hot Meals on Wheels project was handled by Foton Quezon Avenue. Four units of the Foton Tornado M4.2C food trucks were turned over to the PRC in Mandaluyong City. Each truck was modified to become a mobile kitchen complete with everything a cook needs to turn ingredients into healthy meals. The inside of the truck contains cooking appliances like a refrigerator, stove with a hood, and even a washing area.
Daceles further states that the PRC faced problems with transportation and the method by which the organization will deliver the food to the communities that require relief. He also mentioned that Foton Philippines provided a big help to the PRC by providing them with the means to bring help to the people in the communities that were gravely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As for the specifications of each of the trucks, the Foton Tornado M4.2C is powered by a reliable Cummins Diesel Engine that allows for robust performance and easy power and torque even under load. The truck has a 14-foot body that can house the entire kitchen, or cargo if need be.
