Local planters sell produce via Waltermart program

SM Investments Corp. (SMIC), the holding firm of the Sy family, said it is supporting the country’s agriculture sector by giving farmers access to their retail chain, Waltermart.

Waltermart’s program provides Filipino farmers with market access that enables them to bring farm-fresh produce to the customers efficiently, according to SMIC.

Waltermart goes above and beyond hosting products from farmers for just a limited period. Instead of bringing them in through concessionaires, they integrate them across 38 stores by providing a venue for them to sell daily, the company said.

“Making a difference in people’s lives has been an advocacy of the group borne from the simple dream of SM founder Henry Sy Sr. to uplift the livelihood of local farming communities,” SMIC president and CEO Frederic C. Dybuncio said.

By harnessing the resources of SMIC, Dybuncio said the company aims to empower local farmers, strengthen rural economies and contribute to food security.

“Our partnership with local producers through the Palengke Fresh program [of Waltermart] bridges the gap between farm and table and cultivates a sustainable agricultural culture between farmers and customers with each direct sale.

For us to make an impact on the livelihood of our farmers, we make it to a point that they are involved in our supply chain process,” Jennilyn Uy, president of Waltermart, said.

The Palengke Fresh program started in February 2022, with a few stores in Central Luzon. It has now transformed into one of Waltermart’s flagship programs in reaching out to more farmers and serving the best available produce to its customers.

Since its launch, Uy said the program has empowered several farmer cooperatives, selling over 2000 metric tons of produce, bolstering their income.

“The program helps our farmers sell their fresh produce,” she said.

“As a community mall, we look at more ways to create a positive impact and be inclusive of our communities and the customers we serve.”