Bloomberry, Pagcor turn over solar facilities
Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. (BCFI) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), through their implementing partner, Project Liwanag, recently turned over the Communal Micro-Grid Solar PV Electrification Project to the community leaders of 11 Aeta Mountain Communities in Capas, Tarlac.
Through this project, 661 families or close to 2,000 Aetas, were provided their first experience to have lights in their homes and common pathways.
The 11 Aeta mountain communities who benefited from this solar electrification project are Sitios Flora, Manabayukan, Pilyen, Taliktik, Bunga, Dalig, Manalal, Alunan 1, Doray, Pula and Pantol, located in Barangays Maruglu, O’Donell, Sta. Juliana and Bueno of Capas, Tarlac.
Present during the turn-over ceremony were Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Victor Valentin representing Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan of Capas, Tarlac, Lt. Col. Joseph Revilla from the Philippine Air Force, Aeta leaders and elders, Marlon Pia, executive director of Project Liwanag and Hilbert Cuero from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
Prior to the installation of the solar facilities, community preparation and involvement were ensured in the different stages of the project to deepen a sense of ownership and responsibility among the Aetas.
This project falls under the Cultural Heritage development pillar of Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc.
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STI bolsters DepEd’s learning continuity plan
Under the partnership, STI will provide DepEd, particularly in the implementation of the BE-LCP, various forms of support for free, including rendition of technical assistance, transportation service, and use of STI facilities nationwide to name a few.
STI will also make NEO Learning Management System (LMS) available to DepEd, and train public school teachers who may use the learning management system to make the transition of the modality smoothly and maximize the features and efficiency of the LMS.
STI will assist DepEd in the digitization or conversion of learning contents into digital format, including giving DepEd access to and allowing use of STI’s computer laboratories across the country, which can be used to convert materials into appropriate formats, train, and receive online materials especially for DepEd teachers in localities where computer facilities are not readily available.
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Alfamart keeps it cool with partners during the pandemic
For Alfamart, the first and only Super Minimart chain in the Philippines, the community quarantine has been an opportunity to work better with trusted business partners to ensure that the company’s nearly-1000 stores across Luzon had ample stocks to serve their respective communities.
Gerry Lugapo, Alfamart AVP for Supply Chain emphasized how their partnership with Royale Cold Storage (RCS), their cold chain logistics provider since 2019, made it easier to maintain a stable food supply. RCS has the first and only FSSC 22000-certified cold storage facility in the country, ensuring world-class safety and cleanliness
Alfamart only sources its meats from National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS)-accredited suppliers, which are then loaded onto RCS’s reefer vans (or trucks with built-in freezers), all NMIS-accredited as well.
Joey C. Tongson, CEO of RCS assured that RCS workers all follow safety and health protocols while also conducting temperature tests for both workers and visitors.
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SM Farmers’ Produce Market goes Mega
Mallgoers enjoyed a wide selection of affordable organic produce sourced straight from local farms around the Philippines during the recent SM Farmer’s Produce Market at the Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall.
There were highland vegetables from Benguet’s Cada Farmers Agriculture Cooperative; export quality coconut products from Quezon’s Best in Tiaong, Quezon Province; farm fresh quail and chicken eggs from Lololylalala Egg Trading in Taytay, Rizal; mango jam and dried mangoes from Granah Consumer Goods in Guimaras Island; and freshly-picked durian, lanzones, and mangosteen from John and Jing Fruits in Davao.
Central Luzon traders also showcased their products which included chicharon, garlic chips, and roasted cashew nuts from John N’ Mico in Pampanga; smoked and dried fish products from Mama Agnes Enterprises; and fruits and vegetables from the L. Sanchez Farm in the San Ildefonso, Bulacan and the Munting Paraiso ni Yoly Farm in Angat, Bulacan.
Products from the capital region featured QueenB’s honey and other bee products; Marc Daniel’s vegetarian products like tofu and chilled taho; and Don Dairy PH’s flavored carabao’s milk and fruit yogurt.
Plantitos and platitas shoppers checked out a range of best-selling plants from the Bureau of Plant and Industry, which gave away vegetable seeds and seedlings to the attendees.
The Farmer’s Produce Market, aiming to bring the farm-to-table experience to shoppers, is a partnership of the SM Supermalls, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Resto PH, an organization of restaurant brands in the Philippines.c
With 24 participating merchants, the biggest and longest SM Farmers’ Produce Market caravan leg yet, is also meant to help jumpstart the country’s agriculture and restaurant industry in a sustainable and socially responsible manner.
