San Miguel Corp. (SMC), through its food unit San Miguel Foods, has purchased over 1.3 million metric tons of corn amounting to P23.9 billion from farmers nationwide since 2020 to date.
The conglomerate said this forms part of its initiative to source raw materials for its food products directly from local growers to help boost farm incomes, reduce the country’s dependence on imports and help achieve food self-sufficiency.
SMC said the program initially covered Batangas, Bicol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Isabela, Ormoc, Pangasinan, Tarlac and Zamboanga, with plans to be expanded by the end of the year.
“Through this program, we are assured of local corn supply for our food business while our local farmers are guaranteed a steady market and fair prices for their crops. Buying directly from them boosts their income and keeps their livelihood sustainable,” said Ramon Ang, SMC president and chief executive officer, in a statement. – Jed Macapagal
