Although farmers play a crucial role in guaranteeing food security and feeding populations, they are ironically the poorest among workers due to longstanding unresolved financial issues. Fortunately, timely interventions from government agencies, NGOs, and corporate foundations come into play to offer transformative support and help improve farmers’ economic conditions.
Farmers cleaning the onion harvest at the Kalasag Multipurpose Cooperative
Jollibee Foods Corp., the Philippines’ top fast-food chain, entered the farming communities of San Jose City, Nueva Ecija two years ago to collaborate with hardworking but underprivileged onion farmers. Through its corporate social responsibility arm, Jollibee Group Foundation, the company launched the innovative Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP), turning traditional tillers into farm-based entrepreneurs.
Arnold Dizon, a founding member and current board chairman of Kalasag Multipurpose Cooperative, has dedicated much of his life to agriculture. He saw the organization grow from just 30 members in 2008 to a prominent onion supplier for Jollibee and its partners. Under his guidance, Kalasag gained stable market access and supported members in developing their agro-enterprise skills, from creating supply plans to obtaining certifications like the Department of Agriculture’s Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Asia-GAP (ASIA-GAP).
Kalasag, named after the barangays of Kaliwanagan and San Agustin where its farms are located, is now expanding its coverage to include barangay Villa Marina, boasting over 71 members.
Today, all three of Dizon’s children are actively farming on land acquired through the cooperative, which has evolved into a thriving community enterprise. It offers dividends, loans, and educational support to its members.
Wencelito Gomez, the general manager and a founding member of Kalasag, recalls a time before the cooperative was established when their primary goal was to secure a fair market for their crops. Back then, onions were sold for as little as P 1 per kilo, leaving farmers struggling to make ends meet. However, things began to improve when the San Jose City government linked them with the Foundation and its partners.
Through the FEP, Gomez and his fellow farmers received business training, technical support, and access to a ready market. “Before, all I knew was how to take care of a farm. But because of the program, I learned how to run a business, manage people, and plan for the future,” he enthused.
In 2024, farmers who underwent the program supplied 50% of the Jollibee Group’s onion requirements. To date, 34 farmer groups have collectively delivered 13 million kilos of produce to Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Mang Inasal commissaries, generating P703 million in sales. Through direct market access, they significantly increased their income and provided stable livelihoods for their families.
Gomez’s most significant insight lies in the power of partnership among stakeholders, including government agencies, fellow farmers, financing institutions, and the private sector.
As a result, he has emerged as a leader not only in his community but also nationally, mentoring other farmer groups to expand cooperative farming and inspiring the next generation to engage in agro-enterprise.
Arianne Aldeza, program manager at Jollibee Group Foundation, highlights that the firm’s global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, reflects its dedication to sustainable business practices. This commitment encompasses food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among other priorities.
“These focus areas, just like the FEP, are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and demonstrates how game-changing agricultural support can build stronger communities, ensure a dynamic value chain, and provide sustainable livelihood for Filipino farmers,” she concludes.
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