MPIF Aids Local Farmers’ Cooperatives Amidst CoViD-19 Pandemic

Metro Manila, Philippines, 14th May 2020 – Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF) donates over 8,000 kgs of fresh vegetables from local farmers’ cooperatives to beneficiaries as part of its ongoing CoViD-19 relief efforts.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country during their peak harvest time in March, farmers were unable to sell their produce and the food industry experienced limited access to fresh vegetables due to the lockdown.

As a means to address this need, MPIF sought potential suppliers to help further their cause and came upon Cherrie Atilano’s Move Food Initiative through her company, Agrea Agricultural System International Inc.  The Move Food Initiative provided an equally beneficial network for both. In patronizing farmer’s agricultural produce, MPIF has also improved farmers’ income by shortening the supply chain.

“We created this initiative because we knew we had the opportunity to adapt to our ‘new normal’ as well as the capacity to help agribusinesses that are struggling to cope with the current situation.” says President and Founding Farmer Atilano. “Our business has always been pivoted to support farmers and this pandemic has only strengthened that goal further despite logistical challenges.”

The MPI Foundation’s goal for this initiative is two-fold: to provide healthier and more nutritious options amid the influx of canned and instant meals and in turn, support local farmers whose industry has likewise been drastically affected by the pandemic. Working with the Move Food initiative guaranteed that these farmers, who strive to provide their fellowmen with sustenance, are not forgotten in their time of need.

MPIF President Melody del Rosario, recognized that health and nutrition fall second to convenience, accessibility, and longer shelf life.

“Being out there and personally distributing relief goods while mindful of social distancing for everyone’s safety, gives you a firsthand view of people’s needs,” says del Rosario. “To provide food that fills their stomachs is indeed a goal, but ensuring their good health is the extra step we decided to take.”

With the uncertainty brought upon by the country by the CoViD-19 pandemic, MPIF calls upon all sectors to continuously keep the Filipino spirit of bayanihan alive and extend their help to those who need it most, whenever possible.

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For further information, please contact:

Melody del Rosario

VP – Public Relations and Corporate Communications, MPIC

09189635639