Food

Residents of Brgy. Molobolo, together with representatives of the Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI) and The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), stand in front of the Agos Water Tank

In Brgy, Molobolo in Negros Occidental’s Municipality of Cauayan collecting water was a shared community duty as well as a household issue. In their area, there was a water source that required parents and kids to walk for thirty minutes and wait for at least two hours to fill their containers. However, this source did not always supply all of their daily needs.

Residents were required to conserve water wherever possible due to the water crisis, but even that wasn’t always enough. They struggled to locate water on a regular basis, and every night they went to bed hoping to find enough for the next day.

This was the reality for Brgy. Molobolo residents until 2021, when the Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI) implemented a clean water access project with a financial grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF).

How water started flowing in Brgy. Molobolo

For Brgy. Molobolo, AIDFI used a gravity-fed water system to bring water closer to residents. The project connected a pipeline from the elevated water source, allowing the water to flow down to shared tapstands within the community and helping eliminate the need for a half-hour walk and two-hour wait at the stream. Additionally, water filters are provided to households to block debris and prevent bacteria from passing through.

Access to water has brought comfort to the residents. No longer burdened by the physically demanding task of water collection, they can enjoy the safety and security of having water at their doorstep.

The availability of safe water has also positively impacted community programs, including feeding programs that improve residents’ health and nutrition. Convenient access to safe water reduces the health risks associated with collecting and consuming water from distant and potentially contaminated sources. This improvement in water accessibility has enhanced their quality of life and fostered a sense of community well-being and progress.

“Ngayon, sa bahay na lang kami naghihintay. May schedule pero sufficient talaga yung tubig. Hindi na kami mahirapan na [pumila] at pumunta sa malayo para mag-igib [ng tubig],” Myren Edoria, a resident of Brgy. Molobolo, said. (Now, we only wait in our home. There is a schedule, but this time the supply of water is sufficient. We don’t need to fall in line and go to faraway places just to collect water.)

From project beneficiaries to water stewards

The barangay captain of Brgy. Molobolo has advocated for their community to gain access to safe water. His dedication to securing water access and security for the community led him to apply for the Agos Project with TCCF and AIDFI in the first place. This initiative, aligning with the community’s urgent need for clean water, garnered immediate and enthusiastic support from the residents.

Inspired by their barangay captain’s leadership, the residents have transformed that passion into proactive stewardship, taking responsibility for protecting and managing their water resources to ensure the sustainability of the project’s benefits for future generations.

Brgy. Molobolo residents with representatives of the AIDFI and TCCF at the successful handover of the Agos Project

They formed an association and created a schedule system for everyone in the barangay to access clean water. They also coordinate with local partners to test and ensure the water’s safety. To secure their water source, they implement policies protecting it from potential threats.

Clean and safe water for future generations

The Coca-Cola Foundation, The Coca-Cola Company’s main philanthropic arm, invests in innovative concepts and organizations that tackle some of the most important global issues in an effort to support local and international changemakers making a quantifiable and long-lasting difference in communities all over the world.

Visit The Coca-Cola Foundation’s website and social media pages for additional details about its programs.

Jollibee Group Foundation held a three-day Journey to Growth forum, wherein 17 farmer groups and some partner Local Government Units (LGUs), and organizations from various parts of Luzon and Visayas participated to exchange best practices and learn about agri-innovations and fundamentals of business planning.
 

Agro-entrepreneurs make many decisions and conduct business in large part by embracing new technology and methods and adjusting to the constantly shifting market conditions. Through the recently convened Journey to Growth Forum, the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the social development arm of the Jollibee Group, facilitates the continued growth of these agro-entrepreneurs. The Forum seeks to improve smallholder farmers’ strategic thinking so they may keep developing their abilities and broaden their scope, paving the way for a secure future for agro-entrepreneurs.

Farmers, cooperatives, associations, local government entities, and partner groups came together in a spirited manner at the Forum. It included lively agri-innovation learning sessions, the most recent business news, focus groups, and seminars on strategic company planning. All of these activities were intended to provide attendees the skills and information they required to succeed in the modern agricultural environment.

Through its Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP), JGF continues to empower smallholder farmers to thrive as agro-entrepreneurs and become economically self-sufficient by providing leadership and agro-entrepreneurship training that enhances their knowledge and skills.

JGF President Gisela Tiongson led the team in facilitating learning sessions, focus group discussions, and strategic business planning.

“The Journey to Growth Forum not only strengthened our relationship with partner farmers but also provided an ideal avenue for them to learn best practices and discover solutions to existing farming challenges,” said JGF President Gisela Tiongson. “We hope to aid our farmers in achieving sustainable growth by continuously providing workshops and training on leading edge and innovative approaches.”

Leadership and expertise

Experts from Jollibee Group’s global divisions—including Procurement, Insurance and Risk Management, Finance, Sustainability and Public Affairs, and the Data Office—spearheaded engaging discussions on key topics like customer service, supply assurance, operational efficiency, financial strength, sustainability, and leadership.

To deepen the impact, the Foundation brought in industry experts to share cutting-edge insights on agri-innovations.  Miguel Garcia, Junior Operations Center Supervisor of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), spoke about preparing for the possible upcoming La Nina.

Adding to the wealth of knowledge, Dr. Dionisio Bucao of Mariano Marcos State University emphasized the critical role of soil health in sustainable farming, while Arjay Aquino of Central Luzon State University shared actionable strategies for soil health restoration, ensuring that farmers are equipped with the latest sustainable practices.

Through breakout sessions, participants discussed challenges and devised viable solutions for better produce and sustainable farming practices.

Onion business planning

To keep farmers motivated and responsive to evolving challenges, JGF conducts an annual Onion Business Planning (OBP) session with FEP farmer groups already supplying the Jollibee Group. These dynamic and hands-on sessions encourage farmers to engage in lively discussions to update their onion business plans, monitor and evaluate progress, while collaborating to refine their production strategies. By making this a regular practice, farmers are not only staying on top of their game but are also building a community that supports innovation and resilience in the onion business.

The OBP prompts and drives collaborative actions necessary to tackle challenges head-on and elevate farming practices. In 2023 alone, FEP supplied 24% of Jollibee Group’s onion requirement. This year, FEP’s share is projected to grow to 33%.

Jollibee Group’s Global Chief Business Support Officer William Tan Untiong has shared that the FEP farmers have already fulfilled 90% of the company’s onion requirement as early as the second quarter of 2024

“We’re targeting 2,000 tons of onions for 2024. We’re only halfway through the year, but we have already reached 90% of our goal. We remain focused and determined to increase FEP’s total onion share and empower our smallholder farmers by helping them succeed in their agro-entrepreneurship journey,” William Tan Untiong, Jollibee Group Global Chief Business Support Officer said.

FEP farmer groups have delivered 1,367,000 kilos of vegetables to Jollibee Group in 2023, marking a significant recovery of their agro-enterprises and exceeding targets post pandemic. Since 2009, a total of 30 farmer groups, or 1,400 smallholder farmers, have collectively delivered 11 million kilos of quality vegetables with more than PHP500 million worth of sales to Jollibee Group.

This outstanding accomplishment emphasizes how crucial it is for farmers to constantly innovate and adapt. It’s more important than ever for farmers to keep ahead of the curve in an era defined by accelerating farming technology breakthroughs, escalating consumer expectations, and regulatory pressures.

In light of the evolving agricultural landscape, JGF is unwavering in its commitment to supporting agro-entrepreneurs in achieving a sustainable means of subsistence. JGF guarantees that farmers can confidently overcome obstacles and exploit opportunities by providing them with the necessary equipment and information, promoting efficiency and sustainability in every harvest.

Located in the bustling Poblacion sector of Makati, Bizarre Bar has once again enhanced its reputation by offering a cocktail degustation experience that goes beyond simple cocktails and instead pays homage to Filipino culture. The “Ampaw” cocktail, the evening’s centerpiece, mesmerized guests with its inventive mixology and blend of traditional Filipino ingredients.

Ian Libang, Beverage Director of Bizarre Bar, finds great personal meaning in this commitment. The “Ampaw” drink, which bears his mother’s name, is a tribute to Libang’s mother and the bar’s goal of showcasing the diverse cuisine of the Philippines. Libang paid tribute to his ancestry and reaffirmed the bar’s commitment to maintaining regional flavors by adding his mother’s treasured recipe into the evening’s last cocktail.

Libang shared a touching childhood memory that inspired the ‘Ampaw’ cocktail. He reminisced about how his mother would make toasted rice treats from the burnt rice at the bottom of the rice cooker. “Every summer, when rice would spoil quicker, my mom would collect the burnt rice at the bottom to preserve it. She deep-fried it, sprinkled it with sugar, and served it on a newspaper cone. This practice was actually passed down from her father, as she grew up on a farm, ” Libang explained.

This nostalgic recipe became the inspiration for the final cocktail of the night, blending a clarified wild turkey bourbon with toasted rice sorbet for a distinctive tasting experience. A swig of ‘Ampaw’ reveals the familiar smoothness of a classic bourbon, followed by the unexpected yet delightful punch of burnt rice and tangy flavors from the cold sorbet, contrasting beautifully with the warm, clarified spirit.

The ‘Ampaw’ cocktail emerged as a standout conclusion to the evening, rounding off a night of expertly crafted cocktails and thoughtfully paired bar bites. It left a lasting impression on guests and solidified Bizarre Bar’s reputation for delivering culturally rich and unforgettable dining experiences.

Libang noted that the ‘Ampaw’ delivered effectively as a celebratory toast like he intended. He added that the well-balanced cocktail was meant to surprise guests and cement a special experience with Bizarre, saying, “People come in expecting that the dessert is the final course of the night. With the unexpected Ampaw, the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, along with textures and temperatures cleanses the palate and etches Filipino heritage flavors in the memory of guests even after they leave Bizarre.”

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Assistant Secretary Dale De Vera, a guest and advocate of Filipino culture, praised the ‘Ampaw’ cocktail. “We are always grateful for businesses that spotlight Filipino culture and traditions. Bizarre Bar’s cocktail degustation, with its unique offerings and compelling storytelling, truly elevates the Filipino brand. The ‘Ampaw’ toast was a remarkable end to an unforgettable evening,” De Vera noted.

The dedication of Bizarre Bar to honoring Filipino ancestry via creative concoctions like “Ampaw” is indicative of a larger movement in the neighborhood’s food scene. This method adds a contemporary touch while highlighting classic flavors. Diners enjoy great cuisine and drinks combined with stories that connect them to Filipino culture as more places adopt this trend.

Discover Filipino narratives via mixed drinks at Bizarre Bar located in Poblacion, Makati. Go to http://www.thebizarrebar.com to make a reservation.

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APF Cebu organizes Mangrove Planting: Sustaining the Environment, Marching on to 2030

Eat Well, Live Well Towards a Better Tomorrow: Over 100 Ajinomoto employees in Cebu planted 1,200 mangrove trees in Barangay Day-as, Cordova, Cebu, in celebration of its 20th anniversary.

Flavor Food Inc. Ajinomoto Philippines Inc. Cebu, also known as APF Cebu, commemorates its 20 years!

APF Cebu held a mangrove tree planting event with the theme “Mangrove Planting: Sustaining the Environment, Marching on to 2030” to commemorate the company’s expansion and changes since its founding in 2004. This project, which honors 20 years of excellence in the food business, is a tribute to APF Cebu’s dedication to sustainability and community engagement.

1,200 mangrove saplings were planted by more than a hundred APF Cebu workers who joined the Fisher Folk Organization of Barangay Day-as in Cordova, Cebu. This is to recognize the significant role these trees play in preventing erosion along our shorelines. By offering homes for aquatic creatures, they also improve the biodiversity of the regions.

Led by APC Group President Mr. Koichi Ozaki, Vice President Mr. Makoto Tanabe, APF Bulacan Factory Director Mr. Juanito Ramos Jr. and APF Cebu Factory Manager Mr. Teodoro Wong Jr., a total of 1,200 pieces of mangroves were planted. This is  a significant number to help  strengthen the coastal ecosystem restoration of Barangay Day-as.

WIN-WIN partnership: APF Cebu employees joined the Fisher Folk Organization of  Barangay Day-as in Cordova, Cebu to strengthen the coastal ecosystem restoration of the area.

Last year, APF Cebu also conducted a similar planting activity in another strategic location in Cebu. This was done in Barangay Calawisan in Lapu-Lapu City, where the saplings have now shown significant growth as they have established strong roots in the coastal soil. This year’s mangrove planting is another promising activity that will be sustained through continuous monitoring to add to the number of the existing mangroves in these areas.

TEAMWORK: APF Cebu employees are all smiles while they plant together to fulfill the company’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement as they march on to Roadmap 2030.
 

Following the outdoor event, the APF Cebu headquarters hosted a mass of appreciation to show the company’s gratitude for 20 years of consistent and successful operations. Following mass, there was a formal program that featured remarks of inspiration and congratulations from Ajinomoto Philippines’ top management. This occasion was made even more joyous by the participation of talented employees and the sharing of anecdotes from long-tenured Ka-Aji’s (a name affectionately used by Ajinomoto Philippines employees to refer to their colleagues).

In order to achieve Roadmap 2030, APF Cebu will keep pursuing expansion, stable operations, participation in environmental initiatives, and community outreach while consistently delivering high-quality goods that uphold Ajinomoto’s motto of Eat Well, Live Well!

Hand-in-hand for environmental conservation. Present in the Memorandum of Agreement signing were (from left to right) Sto. Tomas City, Batangas Mayor Atty. Arth Jhun Marasigan, PCPPI Chief Environmental, Social and Governance Officer Atty. Carina Bayon, and City Environment and Natural Resources Office Head Engineer Eric Velasco.
 

The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) and the local government of Sto became parties to a Memorandum of Agreement signed by Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI), the official maker and distributor of PepsiCo products in the nation. The corporation has committed to long-term environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices by using Tomas, Batangas for the Adopt-A-River Program.

Through this relationship, the Southern Tagalog Region Operations (STRO) team of PCPPI will strengthen efforts to involve the community and maintain cleanliness and obstruction-free Dipangla Creek. The aforementioned watercourse runs 300 meters through Brgy. San Miguel, close to the STRO facility in Sto. Tomas.

“The partnership to protect the Dipangla Creek through the Adopt-A-River Program is an essential part of our commitment to promote responsible water stewardship across our operations. This is aligned with our goal to create a positive impact on society with programs focused on responsible and ethical operations, employee and community empowerment, and environmental sustainability,” said PCPPI Chief Environmental, Social and Governance Officer Atty. Carina Bayon.  

PCPPI will ensure the weekly deployment of team members to conduct the collection of solid wastes, maintenance, and upkeep of the project area. It will also monitor the execution of weekly cleaning, overgrown vegetation cutting, and collection of accumulated residual and non-residual garbage along the river stream. Furthermore, PCPPI will put up vertical gardens along the Dipangla Creek stream in support of the enhanced National Greening Program.

Aside from the Adopt-A-River Program, PCPPI STRO has been actively supporting other environmental initiatives led by LLDA and the Sto. Tomas LGU through the years. In September 2021, STRO provided assistance to the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) during the cleanup activity held along San Juan River traversing Brgy. San Vicente.

In July 2022, STRO took part in the National Arbor Day Tree Planting Activity of the Sto to commemorate PCPPI’s anniversary. A Certificate of Appreciation for the donation of 200 narra tree seedlines was also given to the plant by Tomas CENRO. Furthermore, STRO provided backing for CENRO’s “Operasyon Linis Ilog” initiative, which was held in June 2023 to commemorate Philippine Environment Month.

“PCPPI will continue to strengthen our partnerships with the local government and other key community stakeholders to further our environmental sustainability commitments and contribute to the development of the towns and cities where we operate,” Atty. Bayon added.  

Please visit www.pepsiphilippines.com for additional information about Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines and its community and environmental activities.