Xiaoyun (Jack) Xu

Department of Operations & Information Technology - Ateneo Graduate School of Business, Philippines

Abstract

This paper provides an early assessment of the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for food supply chains in the Philippines. The disruptions from both the demand and supply sides are discussed, including change of purchase behavior of customers, closure of food service industry, transportation interruptions, processing facility closure, and labor shortage. Coping strategies at both central and local government levels are reviewed, along with an early assessment their operational effectiveness. Several hard-learned lessons are discussed. Finally, the paper highlights two important emerging trends in Philippine food supply chain during the pandemic, namely, the growth of online grocery shopping and increasing popularity of local food supply chains. The paper discusses the continuing challenges faced by the entire food industry in the Philippines.