What started as a poultry farm for the Camono-an Agrarian Reform Community Farmers Association (CARCFA) has evolved into an even larger and sustainable livelihood for them, a journey the group fondly recalled in a recent interview with MCO News TV in Eastern Visayas.
The association started with poultry (egg laying) and vegetable production as their main livelihood. In December 2020, through the recommendation of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), they became a recipient of a Bakery Livelihood Kit consisting of supplies, ingredients, and equipment from Pilmico and Aboitiz Foundation.
“Nag-start kami noong December 2020 upon delivery ng mga equipment na mula sa programa ng PILMICO-DAR…Bago dumating ang bakery livelihood na ito, naka-focus po kami sa Vegetable Production at Poultry (egg laying production) livelihood ng aming association,” said Ruth Borja, president of CARFCA.
Since then, they have successfully managed and sustained their business with Otap as one of their best-selling products. Their master baker Pedro Demiterio has been making otap for the past 40 years in Bulacan and Cebu and he willingly shared his expertise to ensure their product was delicious and affordable.
“Noong nalaman ko na magtatayo ng bakery ang asosasyon sinabi ko na ako ang hahawak bilang isang master baker,” he said.
After over a year in operation, the association’s bakery business is able to provide its members with additional income. For Teresita Pigtuan, a CARCFA member, the bakery has already helped with their household finances even if she just recently started selling its products.
“Ngayong January lamang ako nagtinda ng isang buwan sa talipapa at malaking tulong ito sa amin sa mga gastusin namin sa bahay,” she explained.
This is just one of the many efforts of Pilmico as they fulfill their mission of feeding humanity. With the Aboitiz brand promise of advancing business and communities, Pilmico is steadfast and proactive in providing livelihood kits whether it’s pig raising, poultry farming, or bakery starter kits.
