Sibonga backyard farmers receive livelihood packages

CEBU, Philippines - In its bid to promote sustainable entrepreneurship through the promotion of local produce, Pilmico - the food subsidiary of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) on Wednesday awarded livelihood packages to 27 beneficiaries in Sibonga, Cebu.

During Pilmico's Mahalin Pagkaing Atin Food and Livelihood Expo held at the Bonifacio R. Bacaltos, Sports & Cultural Centrum in Sibonga, 27 backyard farmers received livelihood assistance, which consists of 30 piglets (each with one-cycle feed consumption), 10 egg machines (48-chicken set each with one month feed consumption) and two bakery starter kits (1-deck 4-tray bread oven, bread rack, working table, a delivery bike and 10 bags of flour).

Pilmico marketing manager John Paul Pangilinan said the Mahalin Pagkaing Atin program is also Pilmico’s flagship project since 2014 for corporate social responsibilities.

This program will enable local farmers to sustain their livelihood through an easy-to-manage business with a quick return on investment, despite the threats of poverty, tragedy or conflict.

Pangilinan added that the goal of the campaign is to recognize backyard farmers with their contributions to local homegrown products, and present them with livelihood assistance kits.

Katrina Bayog, Pilmico Corporate Social Responsibility Unit Head, said that they selected the beneficiaries by going to the chosen area and assessed probable candidates with the help of their Animal Production Specialists.

Bayog also said,”This is our initiative of paying it forward. And it symbolizes between us and our partners. We gain, they gain.”

Some beneficiaries are originally from Sibonga and from the neighboring towns, she said.

Piglet beneficiary Jeffrey Sordilla, 45, has been engaged in the piggery business for five years already. He said that as one of the beneficiaries, “paninguhaon nako nga ang gihatag modaghan gyod ug molambo pa.”

Sordilla also shared that he recently sold 16 piglets worth P2,300 each stressing that this business has not only helped him provide for the needs of his family but he also gained the trust of his valued customers.

The event was also graced by Pilmico Ambassador celebrity chef Boy Logro, who presented a cooking demo for the hundreds of attendees who also witnessed the turn over ceremony of livelihood packages to the selected beneficiaries.

“Basta pagkaon nga lamian ug 100 percent iyang quality, sa business kay pangitaon gyod ka sa mga tawo nga mopalit. Lifetime guarantee if you have the quality of your ingredients,” he said.

Pilmico also held various lectures on animal husbandry and nutrition, basic and advanced baking demos, and micro-financing and branding seminars.

Jefferson Abian, Pilmico AVP for Feed Sales for Visayas and Mindanao,  also said that, “MPA is the opportunity to listen and learn more on what are the techniques to have a successful hog raising production and baking.” (FREEMAN)