CARGILL PHILIPPINES has invested almost P20 million for its relief efforts to help address problems concerning food security amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
In a statement, Cargill Philippines President Sonny Catacutan said the majority of the P20 million is allocated to its food security intervention program.
“We remain committed to working with the Philippine government and the immediate communities we operate in. There’s no better time than now for all sectors to remain united as we weather the long-term effects of this pandemic on food security,” he said.
The company said it had given assistance to more than 370,000 beneficiaries via monetary and food donations and through partnerships with other organizations such as Rise Against Hunger and ABS-CBN Corp.’s Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation.
Cargill Philippines has also given 300 food packs to medical frontliners and donated 1,800 kilograms of frozen chicken in tandem with the two organizations.
In addition, subsidiary Cargill Oil Mills Philippines, Inc. has distributed 1,700 kilograms of rice to beneficiaries in Laguna and General Santos City, while poultry meat unit Cargill Joy Poultry Production, Inc. has donated more than 630,000 eggs and 60,000 live birds to provide additional livelihood and food for the recipients.
Relief packs consisting of food and hygiene products were also given to 500 beneficiaries, as well as WiFi broadband kits to students at Food For Hungry Minds School, an educational charity that builds schools for disadvantaged children.
Meanwhile, Mr. Catacutan said the company made efforts to continue its food supply chains so that consumers have stable access to affordable and nutritious food.
“As a business engaged in agriculture and food production, we are cognizant of our responsibility to keep the food supply chains going,” he said.
“Despite the restrictions brought about by the efforts to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on public health and safety, we have kept our operations going across all our business units,” he added.
Cargill Philippines has business interests in food production, agriculture, and industrial products and services. Its subsidiaries include Cargill Animal Nutrition and Health, Cargill Food Ingredients and Bio Industrial Enterprise, and Cargill Grains and Meal. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
