SAN MIGUEL Corp. (SMC) is set to convert parts of its head office complex in Ortigas into small urban farms that will be tended by company employees.
SMC President Ramon S. Ang said in a statement on Monday that a plot of land will be given to interested employees and support job workers which will be used as space to grow any produce.
“In this time of pandemic, many Filipinos are looking for ways to earn extra income, or at the very least, make sure they have sufficient supply of food. Realizing the importance of food security, many are also exploring growing their own food. That is why we thought of this simple project to help our maintenance workers, as well as our own employees,” Mr. Ang said.
Dubbed “Malasakit Garden,” participating employees can opt to bring their harvest home or sell their produce at a small farmers market to be established inside the Ortigas head office complex.
Mr. Ang said the project aims to increase food supply for the workers or serve as an additional source of income, adding that SMC has teamed up with non-profit group SEED Philippines, which will be in charge of teaching company employees on how to do urban farming.
“We are excited to see how our participants will make this project their own. They will have freedom to decide what they want to plant, and how they will make the garden thrive. Our role ultimately is to provide them support so they can make the most of the lot,” Mr. Ang said.
“Our hope is that they can really grow to like planting, they can hone their skills, and it becomes a practical life skill for them,” he said.
Mr. Ang added that he hopes the project can encourage other businesses to convert urban spaces into functioning ecological areas and assist in promoting agriculture.
Meanwhile, SMC said SEED Philippines teaches organic production, soil management, planting materials production, and pest and disease management. The group aims to help solve poverty in low-income families via programs on agricultural entrepreneurship.
To recall, SMC has been assisting local farmers through the launch of various livelihood training programs in communities at Bulacan and Quezon province, and also via the SMC-Better World Diliman community center that provides a market for excess farm produce.
The company said it also purchases corn and cassava directly from local farmers for its raw material requirements.
On Monday, SMC shares at the stock exchange rose 1.83% or P2.30 to end at P128 each. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
