Aboitiz Foods, a leading integrated food and agribusiness company, has helped over 200 families in the Philippines and Malaysia gain access to sustainable livelihood opportunities. From remote communities in the Philippines to indigenous communities in Malaysia, partnerships such as with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) have empowered families to build thriving businesses and support sustainable local food systems. These programs reflect Aboitiz Foods’ commitment to nourishing the future of Asia by uplifting communities and individuals.
Nourishing the Future. Aboitiz Foods has partnered with public and private organizations in the Philippines and Malaysia to support in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities.
“Aboitiz Foods is committed to fostering thriving communities across the region,” shared Tristan Aboitiz, President and CEO of Aboitiz Foods. “In the Philippines and Malaysia, for example, we’ve empowered families to increase their income through Pilmico Livelihood Kits, designed for farmers, bakers, micro-entrepreneurs, and indigenous communities. These partnerships demonstrate our belief in creating sustainable opportunities, and we are excited to scale these initiatives across the region wherever they can make a meaningful impact.”
Cultivating Sustainable Livelihoods in the Philippines
Since 2017, Aboitiz Foods, through its subsidiary Pilmico and the Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (AFI), has partnered with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to uplift Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations across the Philippines. Through its flagship CSR program, the Pilmico Livelihood Kits, Aboitiz Foods provides grant-based livelihood kits ranging from bakery to poultry and livestock packages, with technical training designed to generate additional income and build sustainable livelihoods. Each bakery kit consists of flour bags, an oven, a baking rack, and other various baking equipment. The egg machine kits include Pilmico Feeds, various animal health products, and 192 ready-to-lay hens. Meanwhile, the gilt package consists of two high-quality breed gilts, along with Pilmico Feeds and animal health products.
Aboitiz Foods helps create sustainable livelihoods by providing technical support and sharing valuable knowledge on basic business management.
Since the program’s inception, it has reached over 1,093 beneficiaries. These resources, combined with training, empower ARBs to enhance their income and build greater resilience, particularly valuable in the face of economic fluctuations. Through hands-on training in farm management, biosecurity, and small business management, they are gaining the knowledge and confidence to build successful businesses.
The company expanded its support for Filipino entrepreneurs by partnering with Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. – Microfinance (RAFI-MFI) to further empower micro-entrepreneurs in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. This collaboration provides RAFI-MFI clients with livelihood kits, access to capital, and essential business development support.
To date, the partnership has empowered 28 beneficiaries with 10 gilts, 54 egg machines, and 5 bakery packages. By focusing on underserved regions, the collaboration highlights Aboitiz Foods’ dedication to inclusive development and supporting local entrepreneurs in growing their businesses.
Fostering Self-Sufficiency in Malaysia’s Indigenous Communities
Aboitiz Foods extended its community focus to Malaysia through a partnership with the Global Peace Foundation Malaysia, supporting the Orang Asli community in Pahang. This initiative addresses the immediate needs of one of Malaysia’s most economically vulnerable populations while laying the groundwork for long-term resilience.
The Orang Asli community processed and packed the chicken raised in their community, which was sold to customers in the cities of Kuantan and Kuala Lumpur.
The program focuses on building sustainable chicken coops, providing chicks and feed, and offering technical training in farm management. This integrated approach helps ensure food security and consistent income for families, contributing to improved livelihoods and overall well-being. The livelihood program has already helped 40 Orang Asli families achieve food security and has provided them with stable income. Further, the initiative includes educational programs for children, fostering a sense of community ownership and equipping the next generation with valuable skills.
“Our vision for these stakeholders is to be able to create programs that will have a long lasting impact on their lives and the lives of those around them. Our investments in programs designed for farmers, micro-entrepreneurs, and Indigenous communities aim to create a more resilient and equitable food system not just for those working today, but for future generations as well. By scaling these partnerships, we’re creating shared value—stronger communities, and a more sustainable food and agribusiness ecosystem in the various markets we serve,” added Aboitiz.
Aboitiz Foods believes that nourishing communities is essential to building a sustainable future for the food and agribusiness sector. The company is committed to expanding these impactful partnerships and creating even more opportunities for families to thrive across Southeast Asia.
