By Anna Carreon

Pilmico Partners turned over the first batch of food donations to hospitals and checkpoints during two simultaneous distribution activities in Tarlac City and Iligan City.

Every day, as the uncertainty associated with the threat of COVID-19 grows, those of us in a position to help, have an obligation to do so. It is these moments when our mission to help advance the communities we operate in matters the most.

– Tristan Aboitiz, President and CEO, Food Group Philippines

“In an effort to provide a measure of relief to the communities around us who are affected by this crisis and the frontliners who secure our safety, over the coming days, Pilmico will continue distributing food and medical supplies such as N95 masks, surgical masks, and 70% ethyl alcohol.”

The bread donations are sourced from Pilmico partner bakeries under its Kutitap Feeding Program to help funnel income to local bakers amid the enhanced community quarantine.

Kutitap is Pilmico’s feeding program that addresses malnutrition among students while providing an additional source of income for partner bakeries.

Assistance in Tarlac City

In coordination with the Tarlac Capitol - Incident Command Center and the Tarlac Provincial Police Office, Pilmico made an initial donation of 900 pieces of bread to Tarlac Provincial Hospital, and checkpoints in Aranguren, Bamban, Brgy. Lourdes, Capas, Concepcion, Cristo Rey, Magalang-Concepcion Road, and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

The bread donations were sourced from local partner Norlyn's Bakery.

We feel honored that Pilmico chose our products for the frontliners who are now the new heroes facing COVID-19. We are also grateful to be part of the response because the bread production meant continuous work for our employees. Maraming salamat po! (Thank you very much!)

– Normelinda Chavez, owner, Norlyn’s Bakery

Food Aid From Iligan Partners To Iligan's Heroes

Pilmico also distributed 900 pieces of bread made by partner bakeries in Iligan City, namely, C&G Bakery, Leyson Bakeshop, Shandy’s Bakeshop, and Mandy’s Bakeshop.

The donations were distributed to Adventist Medical Center, Iligan Medical Center Hospital, Dr. Uy Hospital, and Mercy Community Hospital, as well as the military checkpoints in Buru-un, Ditucalan, and Dalipuga.

It’s humbling to experience going to these locations and assisting our fellow Filipinos who are battling COVID-19 head-on. It made me realize that at times like this, reaching out and helping people who are greatly in need will always be worth it.

– Gregory Canoy, CSR Specialist, Pilmico

Since 2013, the Kutitap Feeding Program has been an instrument in addressing malnutrition among pupils from Kinder to Grade 2, while helping local bakery businesses to prosper with increased sales, productivity, and community awareness.

This time around, the Kutitap partner bakers will provide food aid to the COVID-19 frontliners who are risking their own health and lives to help the nation combat the disease.