PLDT promotes food security for Marikina Watershed communities
PLDT, in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), launched a project that adopts the Food Always In The Home principle for Marikina Watershed communities.
The pilot partner for the project is the Nagkakaisang Samahang Magsasaka sa Barangay Calawis (Nasamasabaca), based in Sitio Binayoyo, Barangay Calawis, Antipolo City.
The project aims to provide a continuous source of healthy food for the community to help ensure food security especially in these difficult times. By adopting a 500-square meter parcel of land for gardening, the project will help ensure an abundant supply of vegetables for members of the community.
Additionally, the project includes the installation of a five-bin vermicompost facility to support the communal garden.
According to PLDT Community Relations Head Katherine Diaz De Rivera, PLDT’s partnership with the PBSP has opened countless opportunities for growth.
“These programs include nationwide education interventions, health and hygiene programs, and livelihood projects that have proven critical especially during this pandemic. This year, we adopted the Faith principle, which we hope will help communities in the Marikina Watershed have an abundant supply of food in times of emergency,” she said.
“Nasamasabaca is one of our seven partner farmer organizations in the area, all of whom have been working harder after Typhoon Ulysses damaged their crops last November. Thank you, PLDT,” said PBSP OIC-Director for Operations Kristine Rivadelo.
The project also shouldered the start-up capital by providing the community with the necessary gardening tools and farm inputs, including vegetable seeds/ seedlings and fertilizers.
Proceeds from the program are used to support various corporate social responsibility projects of different businesses and corporations.