By Amy Chua
In an effort to promote nationwide enterprise development, Aboitiz Foundation turned over a high-technology micro-ice plant to local social enterprise Palamigan Co. on February 19 in a move that supports the primary means of livelihood in the community.
In partnership with ABS-CBN Foundation’s Investments in Loving Organizations for Village Economies (iLOVE), the Aboitiz Foundation reached out to about 35,000 residents in the local community, who derive most of their income from fishing and related activities.
According to one of the residents and a member of the Sahaya Mongkay, Maruwa, and Tonggusung Fisherfolk Cooperative, the micro-ice plant will create a positive impact on their current livelihood setup.
Yung mga fisherfolk dito, hindi na mahihirapan. Malaking tulong ang yelo sa amin kasi dati nagpupunta pa sila sa malayo at mag-gasolina pa [para makakuha ng yelo]. Maraming salamat, Aboitiz Foundation. [The fisherfolk will not have difficulty any more. The micro-ice plant will help a lot because before they would go to far places and spend on gas just to get ice. Thank you very much, Aboitiz Foundation.]
The micro-ice plant, uses an easy-to-install, low-cost, and fast-freezing brine immersion ice machine. With the new facility, fishermen will be able to freeze more fish for storage and gradually explore other ice-based livelihoods.
The Aboitiz Foundation continuously explores initiatives that can positively change the lives of community members. We want to help create employment opportunities for our assisted communities in support of our promise of advancing business and communities.
– Maribeth L. Marasigan, President & COO, Aboitiz Foundation
iLOVE Project Coordinator Celina C. Rotea said the new micro-ice plant will also allow the local community to look for alternative livelihood opportunities.
It is our goal to uplift the quality of lives of our partner communities by providing them with opportunities for sustainable enterprise development. The micro-ice plant is perfect for the fishing community in Simunul – it not only provides them with a way to extend the freshness of their everyday catch, but allows them to venture into other ice-based enterprises.
– Celina C. Rotea, Project Coordinator, iLOVE
In addition to enterprise development projects, iLOVE is looking at developing eco-tourism initiatives for communities in Tawi-Tawi. iLOVE is also conducting assessments on the viability of sustainable tourism opportunities and hosting two- to three-day “Earth Warrior” training that involves, planning team building activities, and environmental values formation.
Enterprise development is one of Aboitiz Foundation’s three focus areas along with education and environment.
Since its inception in 1988, the Aboitiz Foundation’s corporate social responsibility interventions have evolved from one-time donations to carefully-designed programs that empower beneficiaries to pursue their aspirations.
In 2019, the Aboitiz Foundation disbursed over PHP200 million in microfinance loans through the Adopt-A-Branch (PHP154 million) and Wholesale Fund (PHP52.8 million) programs in partnership with the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, Inc., benefiting 6,434 customers and 27 partner cooperatives and associations, respectively.
