July 29, 2024

 

Cargill's project honoured for CSR contribution in Makati, Philippines

 

 

Cargill was honoured on July 5 for its Outstanding CSR Project at the 2024 CSR Expo in Makati, the Philippines.

 

The event was hosted by the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) at the Glorietta Activity Center.

 

Cargill's Agri-Sagana Project, in partnership with Asia Society for Social Improvements and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST), Inc., received the prestigious Medal of Recognition under the Enterprise and Livelihoods Development category.

 

The CSR Medal of Recognition Awards, a flagship programme of the LCF, celebrates organisations for outstanding corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions, and practices. Cargill's recognition underscores its commitment to building resilient communities and contributing to food security around the world, including the Philippines, the company said.

 

Mija Cachapero, country president of Cargill Philippines, said, "This recognition is a testament to our steadfast commitment to empower corn farmers and cooperatives in Cagayan Valley and the Philippines. As a sustainable partner, we believe that providing market access and enriching local communities is the way towards a more inclusive and resilient food system. We continue to strive to extend this impact across the country for a more sustainable future for all Filipinos."

 

The Agri-Sagana Project aims to upskill 15,000 farmers and empower 15 corn cooperatives to engage in corn consolidation and trading.

 

Additionally, five of the cooperatives' post-harvest facilities have begun transitioning their operations from oil power to solar power, thus promoting sustainability. As a result of ongoing accreditation and supplier certification, market access for corn in Region II has expanded, leading to increased income for the registered cooperatives and corn farmers by 10% and 20% respectively.

 

LCF's executive director, Celine A. Santillan, said, "LCF is proud to spotlight corporations' and corporate foundations' initiatives through the Medal of Recognition, and this year, one of them is the Agri-Sagana Project. We hope that through piloting this awards programme, we are able to draw attention, not just to Cargill's CSR efforts, but to all who have joined, and that next year, we will have more entries. The aim is to pave the way for all good CSR projects or programmes to be recognised so that others are inspired and that corporations and other stakeholders learn and collaborate for better impact."

 

In addition to the Medal of Recognition, Cargill's RISE Coco Project in partnership with CARE Philippines was named a finalist under the Disaster Resilience category, acknowledging its role in rehabilitating coconut farming livelihoods in Bohol.

 

- Cargill