The coalition includes producers of notable brands like Diageo, Pernod Ricard, and Moët Hennessy, along with the Philippine Association of Sari-sari Store and Carinderia Owners (Pasco) and other retail partners.
During the PSC launch, members signed a pledge affirming their commitment to prevent minors from accessing alcohol products and endorsing responsible marketing practices, according to a statement issued by the group.
The pledge emphasizes the industry's dedication to self-regulation, particularly targeting sari-sari stores, which play a crucial role in alcohol sales across communities, it said.
Pasco, representing about 7,000 micro-retailers, is leading an ongoing Responsible Micro-Retailing campaign as a part of the pledge. The campaign includes a Training of Trainers program and a nationwide community rollout.
The campaign is focused on educating sari-sari store owners about their legal and social responsibility in preventing the sale of alcohol to vulnerable individuals, such as minors, pregnant women, and those planning to drive.
Frontline retailers gained practical knowledge in age verification and learned strategies to avoid enabling underage purchases, even indirectly.
As of Oct. 25, more than 200 sari-sari store owners across 13 cities in the Metro Manila area have undergone training. The training is slated to be rolled out to all the 7,000 sari-sari store owner-members of Pasco.
According to WHO data, alcohol-related deaths fell 20 percent globally from 2010 to 2019, but challenges remain in the Philippines.
Through this coalition, industry leaders aim to align with WHO’s Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022-2030, which targets a 20-percent reduction in harmful alcohol use by 2030.
Supported by the Asia Pacific International Spirits and Wines Alliance (Apiswa) and the Alcoholic Beverages Alliance of the Philippines Inc. (Abapi), the PSC's launch included a panel discussion, underscoring a whole-of-society approach to reducing alcohol harm.
Senator Win Gatchalian, in a video message, commended the coalition’s efforts, highlighting the need for collective action to protect public health.
