Monde Nissin Empowers Farmers with Launch of 5 Ground Up Stores Across the Philippines

In a bold move to strengthen rural economies and uplift the lives of Filipino farmers, Monde Nissin Corporation has launched five ground-up agricultural cooperatives across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao as part of its landmark 45@45 Sari-Sari Store Enablement Program.

The initiative, part of Monde Nissin’s 45th anniversary celebration, aims to build a more inclusive and sustainable supply chain by directly sourcing raw materials from local producers. The cooperatives—focused on cacao (South Cotabato), sugar (Bago City, Negros Occidental), garlic (Bacarra, Ilocos Norte), shallots (Nansuagao, Ilocos Sur), and eggs (Davao City)—serve as both suppliers and community-based distributors, creating much-needed livelihood opportunities in underserved regions.

“Malaki ang naitulong ng programang ito para sa mga farmers tulad namin, sapagkat nabigyan kami ng karagdagang kabuhayan. Maraming salamat sa Monde Nissin,” said Mency Tolentino, Chairperson of the Bacarra Zanjera Irrigators Multipurpose Cooperative in Ilocos Norte.

(This program has been a great help to us farmers, as it’s given us additional livelihood. Much thanks to Monde Nissin.)

These cooperatives are not just supply sources—they are also launching cooperative-managed stores that serve as primary distribution hubs in their communities, improving market access and minimizing logistical burdens for rural farmers.

“Tinupad ng Monde Nissin ang matagal na naming pangarap na magkaroon ng malaking tindahan dito sa Bago. Hindi na kailangang lumayo ng aming mga farmer sapagkat kami na mismo ang magiging distributor ng mga produkto dito sa aming sakahan, dagdag pa dito ang dagdag income para sa aming mga farmer,” shared Noel Benjamin, Chairman of the Hacienderos Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Negros Occidental.

(Monde Nissin has helped fulfill our long-standing dream of having a large store here in Bago. Now, since we’re distributing our farms’ own products, we no longer have to travel too far, and we even get additional income.)

The 45@45 program embodies Monde Nissin’s corporate aspiration of “Making Better Possible”—a philosophy that champions not just business innovation but also the well-being of people and planet. By fostering partnerships with agricultural communities and enabling them to become key players in the value chain, Monde Nissin is redefining what inclusive growth looks like in the modern food industry.

“The point of this program is to uplift Filipino farmers and strengthen the foundations of our food system,” said Atty. Olive Misa, Corporate and Government Affairs Head of Monde Nissin. “We’re proud to celebrate our 45 years of serving Filipino families by investing in their future.”

As Monde Nissin continues its journey of purpose-driven growth, the 45@45 initiative stands as a testament to how companies can empower communities and pave the way for a more resilient and equitable future, one cooperative at a time.

PLDT, Smart, DA-ATI Launch Innovative Tech Tool for Farmers

Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT) and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc (Smart), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), have launched an initiative that aims to provide tech access to farmers, especially in far-flung areas, enabling them to harness technology in pursuit of livelihood.

As part of its Digital Farmers Program (DFP), PLDT and Smart’s award-winning digital inclusion program for farmers in partnership with DA, the telco launched FarmTech, a tech-driven farmers training kit designed to empower and equip farmer groups and agri-coops in their digital literacy training programs for their farmer members even those in remote areas.

Receiving the very first FarmTech packages were two affiliate farm groups, Myriad Farms of Guimba, Nueva Ecija, and Samahan ng mga Pangulo ng Magsasaka of Morong, Rizal.

Each FarmTech package includes a tablet, 10 smartphones, a Smart Bro Pocket Wifi with Smart Prepaid load cards, an outdoor projector and projector screen, a rechargeable portable sound system, a flash drive containing multimedia learning resources and apps, and DA-ATI learning materials.

“There are a lot of apps and digital solutions we can tap and integrate into the DFP. With the help of PLDT and Smart, these can now reach the farthest corners of the Philippines,” said DA-ATI Dir. Remelyn R. Recoter, adding that she is hopeful that FarmTech would play a key role in encouraging farmers to use technology in their livelihood.

Enabling the digitalization of farmers is PLDT and Smart’s integrated fixed and wireless networks across the country. “We at PLDT and Smart continue to invest in our infrastructure to provide meaningful connections to Filipinos across the country, furthering our livelihood and digital inclusion advocacies, especially for the agricultural sector,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.

“Hand-in-hand with our partners from DA-ATI, we hope to achieve our vision, which is to enable the digital transformation of farmer groups and agri coops all over the country, to build a truly digitally-enabled agriculture sector,” she added.

Part of PLDT and Smart’s long-standing partnership with DA-ATI, FarmTech is the latest addition to DFP, which was established by the PLDT Group and DA-ATI in 2019 to make technology and digital solutions more accessible to Filipino farmers.

Even as a country that relies heavily on its agricultural sector, Filipino farmers are among the commonly marginalized in terms of economics and technology, as many are located in rural areas and unable to pursue further education. Aging farmers also tend to be tech-averse, preferring old-school touchpad phones over smartphones.

Empowering farming communities through digital tools and mobile technologies towards #SustainableAgriculture and #InclusiveGrowth is a key priority of DFP. PLDT and Smart’s efforts to promote inclusive technologies that can help boost livelihood opportunities among farmers and fisherfolk also highlights the Group’s support to the government’s overall digitalization thrust.

This is also in line with the Group’s efforts to help the country achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially UNSDG #1 (No Poverty) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

Ilocos Rice Retailers Received P15K Subsidy

One hundred seventy-one (171) micro rice retailers in Ilocos Region each received P15,000 cash assistance under the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). Said 171 micro rice retailers in public markets were validated to be compliant to Executive Order (EO) 39 which imposes Mandated Price Ceilings on Regular-Milled Rice at P41.00 per kilogram and Well-Milled Rice at P45.00, respectively.

The Department of Trade and Industry has conducted monitoring activities in key cities and municipalities since the effectivity of EO 39 in September 5, 2023. As a result of said monitoring activities 175 Micro Rice Retailers found to be compliant were endorsed to DSWD as possible beneficiaries under the SLP of the DSWD. Pay out for the other four beneficiaries shall be done after completion of the requirements prescribed under the SLP.

A total of Php 2,565,000.00 SLP funds was distributed by DSWD in the 12 key cities and municipalities in the region with the assistance of the LGUs, DTI, DILG and DA. The cash assistance aims to ensure availability of affordable rice for consumers.

Payout areas include the cities of Alaminos, San Carlos and Dagupan in Pangasinan; the cities of Laoag and Batac in Ilocos Norte; Candon and Vigan City in Ilocos Sur and; the City of San Fernando in La Union. Other areas include the municipalities of Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur; San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, Agoo and Naguilian in La Union

DTI, DA and NFA shall continue to monitor the compliance of rice retailers until the lifting of the EO 39. Compliant micro rice retailers are advised to coordinate until September 18, 2023 with their respective LGUs, DTI Provincial Offices and Negosyo Centers for possible inclusion to the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

A Founder’s Dream: Urban Farming and the SM Foundation

SM City North Edsa

This Urban Farming initiative is led by the SM Foundation through its Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP). It’s about uplifting the farmer community, fostering environmental consciousness, food security, and creating livelihood and income opportunities for marginalized urban communities. Through the KSK-SAP, a comprehensive program of urban farming techniques, product development, marketing, and basic accounting are offered in strategically-located field schools.

SM City Roxas

The KSK program has successfully conducted over 260 sustainable agricultural trainings, benefiting a total of 28,550 farmers. These trainings have taken place in both rural and urban settings, where participants have been exposed to sustainable farming modules that promote the cultivation of nutritious, high-quality vegetables and fruits. 

SM City Clark

 

Partnering with the SM Foundation, SM Supermalls, and SM Markets are the following government agencies; the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Tourism, and the Quezon City Government. Each government organization and LGU plays a vital role in maintaining the viability of the program, and so that no stone is left unturned in ensuring its success.

 

As an example, the SM Foundation has brought SM Supermalls and SM Markets into the picture so that as these urban farmers successfully harvest, they’re given an opportunity to market and sell their produce at the Sunday Markets that are now being held in several malls across the nation. When the produce reaches a volume that goes beyond this Sunday marketing mechanism, the SM Markets offer other alternatives.

SM City Naga

 

It’s about creating integration and circularity so that a mini-economic ecosystem is realized. After all, it can’t be about teaching them what and how to farm and then leaving them with no outlet with which to monetize this harvest. The SM Foundation creates these strategic partnerships so that true income opportunities become part of the overall scenario.

SM City Cabanatuan

 

Who would have thought that this vision of Henry Sy, Sr., back in 2007, would have been so uncanny in predicting the mounting problems and issues we face today in agriculture, sustainable food production, food security, and urban development? It’s a vision and dream that those in the SM Foundation are very proud to carry on, and deliver.

SM is in the business of creating a sustainable environment. From being the first to consider renewable energy in mall buildings, to implementing energy-saving devices, we continue to meet significant sustainability milestones. 

Join the commitment to a more sustainable lifestyle at smgreenmovement.com and #SMGreenMovement

SM City Cebu

SM City East Ortigas

SM City Telabastagan

SM City Fairview

SM City Gen San

Local Farmers in Calabarzon to Receive Training on Modern Farming Techniques

SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) has taken another step in its mission to enhance the agriculture and entrepreneurial skills of farmers. The organization recently launched the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP) across various locations in Calabarzon. 

Beginning with its launch in Padre Garcia, Batangas on April 13, 2023, the program has since been extended to Silang, Cavite, Batangas City, San Pablo, Laguna, and Calamba City. SMFI is also set to provide free agri-skills training to local farmers in other parts of the region to help other beneficiaries uplift their families and communities.

Empowering local farmers 

 
The local farmer-beneficiaries will undergo a two-phased program, spearheaded by its partner school Moca Family Farm RLearning Center, Inc.  

 
The said program kicked off with an immersive 14-week training program, designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge in agriculture. The modular training curriculum covers topics on the latest agri-technology updates, capacity building, financial literacy, product development, and market opportunities. Through these comprehensive modules, KSK-SAP aims to empower and enhance farmers’ agricultural practices and explore avenues for sustainable growth. 

As a highlight of the program's first phase, KSK-SAP farmers will join the SM Sunday Market, a collaborative initiative between SM Foundation and SM Supermalls. This platform offers trainees a valuable opportunity to showcase their agricultural produce and gain firsthand experience in institutional selling. Through this market opportunity, participants can not only generate income but also cultivate their expertise and experience in the sales and marketing aspects of their agri-businesses.

KSK Trainees at Tabangao Ambulong, Batangas City, Batangas

To prepare for the second phase of the program, SMFI will also assist the farmers in formalizing their respective groups. To boost their earning capactiy and contribution to economic growth, the foundation will support them in creating a sustainable and profitable farming community through the assistance of its partner agencies. 

KSK-SAP originated from the vision of SMFI’s founder Henry "Tatang" Sy Sr. to establish a sustainable initiative that would uplift the farming skills, food security, and livelihood know-how of low-income Filipino farmers. Over the years, the program has evolved into a comprehensive training program that generates opportunities for skills development, employment, and livelihood.

Since its inception in 2007, KSK-SAP has helped more than 28,000 marginalized farmers from rural and urban areas across the country, fueling their entrepreneurial and farming capabilities. As a result, some of the program's graduates have turned into seasonal suppliers for the SM group and other local markets.

SM Foundation’s KSK-SAP is conducted in partnership with SM Supermalls, TESDA, DA, DSWD, DOST, DTI, DOT and partner farm schools.