Conglomerate Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. has expanded its animal feeds business in Vietnam with the acquisition of a controlling stake in Europe Nutrition Joint Stock Co. (Eurofeed).

Through wholly-owned subsidiary Pilmico International Pte., AEV is buying 70 percent of Vietnam-based Eurofeed for $3.7 million.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday, AEV said its board had approved the acquisition, which was based on enterprise value less debt.

The deal is still subject to closing audit review, the execution of a shareholders’ agreement and the delivery by the sellers of the corresponding amended investment certificates, and other corporate documents to be submitted to the relevant governmental authorities of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam necessary to obtain the amended enterprise registration certificate, among others.

source: Business Inquirer

Pilmico Foods Corporation and Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (AFI) have officially sealed its partnership with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) at the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement at the DAR Head Office in Quezon City, recently.

Aimed at increasing the household income of farmers through the provision of livelihood kits, the community-based partnership is under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative of the government.

Under the agreement, Pilmico and AFI will be providing the livelihood packages as well as technical training to select Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARB) of DAR.

Livelihood packages include piglet dispersal, egg machines, and bakery starter kits which will enable local farmers to sustain their livelihoods through an easy-to-manage business with a quick return of investment.

“We go around the country to promote backyard farming because we believe in the potential of our Filipino farmers to be a successful partner for growth. Through our partnership with DAR, we hope to enable more Filipino farmers to develop sustainable livelihoods in the years to come,” said Sabin M. Aboitiz, Pilmico President and Chief Executive Officer.

Meanwhile, DAR shall provide microfinance services to farmers in the form of loans, savings, and insurance, to help them gain collateral for their agri-business.

The livelihood packages is part of Pilmico’s flagship CSR advocacy, Mahalin Pagkaing Atin , a campaign introduced in mid-2014 that aims to promote sustainable entrepreneurship through promotion of local produce.

Present during the signing were: Pilmico President & CEO Sabin Aboitiz, DAR Secretary Rafael Mariano, Aboitiz Foundation FVP & COO Maribeth Marasigan, DAR USec.Sylvia Mallari, DAR USec. Karlo S. Bello, AEV FVP for Government Relations DJ Sta. Ana, Pilmico VP for Corporate Strategy & Business Development Santanina Castro and AEV VP for Government Relations Christopher Camba.

Last August 11 the Department of Agriculture reported the incidence of Avian Influenza (AI) in chickens, quail and ducks in San Luis, Pampanga.

Pilmico’s facilities are not within the areas where AI was detected and our poultry farms have not been affected by the disease.

Stringent biosecurity protocols are in place to prevent the entry of diseases into our farms. Appropriate flock health programs and climate control systems are employed to keep the flock healthy. All these measures are undertaken to protect our flock and our people, and to maintain the quality and safety of our products.

We strongly support the AI control measures being implemented by the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Animal Industry to prevent the spread of the disease.

Pilmico donated essential equipment and supplies to the Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Animal Industry – Avian Influenza Taskforce to prevent the spread of Avian Influenza, during an executive conference held recently. 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) namely: gloves, mask, goggles, boots, protective coverall & shoe cover as well as 1000 liters of disinfectants were turned over to Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol to signify Pilmico’s full support in the campaign to contain the outbreak. 

Present during the turn-over ceremony were: (From L-R) Undersecratery for Administration and Finance and Chief-of-Staff Atty. Francisco M. Villain, Jr, Pilmico Farms Vice President Sales Hendel Cabral, Pilmico Feeds Chief Operating Officer Tristan Aboitiz, Pilmico Farms Vice President Dennis Racelis, Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol and Pilmico Farms Chief Operating Officer William Paradies.

PPE supplies turnover (second to the L-R) Aboitiz Foundation First Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Maribeth Marasigan, Pilmico Feeds Vice President for Sales Norie Bermudez, Avian Influenza Taskforce Spokesperson Bureau of Animal Industry’s Veterinarian II Animal Health and Welfare Division Dr. Ma. Glofezita Lagayan and Pilmico’s Chief Finance Officer Ebbie Mabatid along with Pilmico employees.

As part of its livelihood service to its customers, Salto – the gamefowl feed brand of Pilmico – conducted a forum on gamefowl breeding and conditioning to breeders in Bacolod.

Over 200 gamefowl aficionados and breeders from Bacolod and neighboring cities, including Iloilo and Palawan, attended the event where they learned about: features of the new & improved Salto, basics on gamefowl breeding and management, and tips from Salto regional and national endorsers.

Bacolod was the top choice to kick off the forum as it is known as the home of talented gamefowl breeders. Rommel Ting, Category Manager for Salto Feeds said:

“From our humble beginning five years ago, with only 20 breeders, today I am happy to see backyard and big time breeders have developed trust in our brand. Our strength as a brand lies not only in the quality of our feeds but also our customer service. We commit to making this partnership stronger in the following years.”

Salto will be rolling out breeders forum in the following areas throughout the year: Davao, Kalibo, Tarlac, Cagayan de Oro, Bulacan, Cebu and Bicol.

Salto is a quality product of Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corporation, a subsidiary of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. Besides selling high-nutrition quality feeds, the company also provides counselling on animal nutrition and management.

Visit www.salto.com.ph for more info on products and services.

A food corporation has set its third annual Pilmico Junior Animal Science and Agriculture Congress in Clark on August 31, 2017. Pilmico Foods Corporation, the agri-business subsidiary of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. will hold the whole day at Midori Clark Hotel and Casino. The congress brings together the top 60 graduating and junior veterinary medicine and agriculture students from different colleges and universities all over the Philippines. On its third year, the congress aims to equip the delegates with practical and applied knowledge on animal production, management, and nutrition in the pillars of swine, poultry, gamefowl, and aqua. Participants will also go through team building exercises and team challenges designed to help them add value to their community and prepare for the real world.

Original article: sunstar.com.ph

Wind Jammer Gamefarm Enterprises started selling poultry feeds and supplies in 2002. Owned by Benjie Velasquez, the sub-dealer of Pilmico & Salto Feeds not only lauds Pilmico’s consistency in products, but also its great customer service.

Over the years, Pilmico Feeds has proven to be the go-to brand of backyard farmers in his area. For Benjie, it is Pilmico’s consistency in producing high-quality feeds that keeps his customers stick to the brand. “Marami akong mga customer mula sa iba’t ibang mga farms at marami na rin silang na-subukang mga ibang feeds. Malaking factor sa pag-pili nila ng feeds ay ang consistency, at si Pilmico ang number 1 dito (I have numerous customers from different farms, and many of them have tried other feeds. A big factor they consider in choosing their feeds is consistency, and Pilmico is number 1 in this area.),” Benjie shared.

More than the quality of feeds, what made Benjie continue his partnership with Pilmico is the company’s support to end-users through Animal Production Specialists (APS). He has witnessed his customers’ farms grow through the help of these technicians and this makes him more confident that his partnership with Pilmico will also allow his business to prosper.

“Kami, bilang mga businessman, gusto namin ng long-term partnership. Sa Pilmico, nakita ko at napatunayan ko na walang iwanan kahit may mga problema. Parating naka-antabay ang technical support team nila para sa amin at sa ating mga alaga. (We, as businessmen, prefer long-term partnerships. I’ve seen and affirmed that Pilmico is always with us even in tough times. Their technical support team is always available for us and our livestock.)”

Let us all pray for the eternal repose of the soul of our beloved Dr. Dennis Racelis who joined our creator today, September 2, following an unfortunate incident at the Aboitiz TRI2017. He was 56 years old.

Dennis, Vice President for Farms of our food business unit Pilmico and one of our beloved triathletes, was rushed to Jabez Medical Center after rescue team brought him on shore during the swim leg of the tournament held at Pico De Loro in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Our event organizer, Bike King and the Aboitiz Group are currently awaiting official pronouncement from the hospital on the cause of death.

Dennis was a valued member of our team and has been with Pilmico for over 19 years. He joined Fil-am Foods as Swine Supervisor in 1998 and moved on to become Pilmico’s Assistant Vice President for Swine Operations in 2008.

Dennis has been a pillar in growing Pilmico’s Farms Business and for his valuable contributions earned him the Vice President for Farm Operations position in 2014. His undeniable technical competence, drive for excellence, creativity and great leadership skills transformed Pilmico into one of the best performing swine and layer farms in the country.

Dennis leaves behind a great legacy, both in business and in the people he worked with.

He was instrumental in establishing Pilmico’s Learning Hub, AHEAD – dedicated to continuous learning, education, and competency building for Pilmico Partners – and served as Dean for The Farm Curriculum.

His dedication, passion for excellence and leadership has earned him the Don Ramon Aboitiz Award of Excellence in 2008.

On behalf of the Aboitiz Group, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and loved ones.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Honorata Racelis and his two children, Nadine D. Racelis and Jethro D. Racelis.

Angeles, Pampanga – With the theme “Shaping Leaders, Building the Future”, top graduating Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science, Fisheries and Agri-Economics students from all over the Philippines gathered recently at Midori Hotel for Pilmico’s Jr. Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture Congress (PJVAC).

The first of its kind in the industry, PJVAC aims to hone the next generation of agri-leaders by equipping them with practical and applied knowledge on animal production, management, and nutrition in the pillars of swine, poultry, and gamefowl.

Now on its third year, PJVAC expanded their pool of delegates to include students taking up Fisheries and Agri-Economics not only to gain a more holistic perspective, but also to complete the excellent roster of PJVAC Alumni who will be Pilmico’s partners in helping address the demands of the agriculture industry in the coming years.

In total, 60 top graduating Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science, Fisheries and Agri-Economics joined the Congress, besting over 200 applicants nationwide.

Pilmico’s Chief Operating Officer Tristan Aboitiz said:

“You are all here because we believe that you will be future leaders in your chosen fields. Leaders who believe that it is important to drive change for a better world, because it is through that change that we are able to help our customers and end users advance their businesses and grow together with us.”

Apart from lectures on animal husbandry & nutrition, innovation and leadership, delegates also went through team building exercises and team challenges with PJVAC Alumni and Pilmico team members.

Aboitiz Foundation Inc. in cooperation with the Government Relations department of Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) and Pilmico Foods Corporation, inked a partnership to facilitate the bakery management training of wounded and differently-abled soldiers from the Philippines Army’s Special Operations Command (SOCOM).

The bakery training will re-equip the soldiers or the Noble Bakers with essential baking skills which will enable them to actively contribute to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the community where they serve.

Held at Pilmico’s Research and Training Bakery, the signing was attended by AEV Government Relations First Vice President DJ Sta. Ana, Aboitiz Foundation AVP for Operations Danny Cerence, SOCOM Foundation OIC President Col. Leodevic Guinid and SOCOM Col. Reynaldo Aquino.

A total of 60 soldiers from SOCOM will undergo Bakery Management training in Pilmico in the following months to learn key baking topics including: wheat milling, bread & load production, bakery calculations as well as hands-on baking of bread, pastries, noodles, cookies and cakes.

Over the years, Pinoy bread has become a reflection of our identity, and our people’s history and affinity for food. Different bread variants, from the humble pan de sal to the merienda-favorite ensaimada, have become household staples and have played witnesses to countless family and community gatherings.

Apart from enjoying the numerous kinds of bread that we have today, being familiar with our local bread culture’s colorful history helps preserve its rich heritage. Understanding the stories behind each bread also heightens the sense of pride we have in local food.

To continue celebrating the vibrant tradition of Filipino bread-making, the Tinapay Natin Pinoy Bread Baking Competition is back for its second run this year. Pilmico, with the support of Max’s Corner Bakery, vows to make this year’s competition bigger, better, and more inclusive.

Mindanao elimination round set in Davao City

The first elimination round in University of Mindanao, is set to kick off the competition, which aims to inspire Filipinos, particularly the youth, to take part in revitalizing our colorful bread culture.

11 competing teams composed of students from culinary schools and hobbyists from various cities in Mindanao, will come together to showcase their bread baking skills, and share the stories behind their flavorful traditional and modern breads.

Cash prizes await participants with the most compelling bread stories and entries with regional elimination rounds happening in Davao, Bacolod and Baguio. The winning bread will be awarded during the Grand Finals in Metro Manila in November, and will be made available through Max’s Corner Bakery nationwide as a limited offering.

As part of the Aboitiz Group’s further push into the Vietnamese market and expansion of its feeds business, Pilmico International Pte. Ltd. (Pilmico International), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV), recently acquired 70% of the outstanding shares of Vietnam-based animal feeds company Europe Nutrition Joint Stock Company (Eurofeed). The transaction price amounts to USD 3.2M, based on 70% of equity value.

To formalize the partnership, an official turnover ceremony was held on 27 September at the Majestic Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, where the management teams of Eurofeed and Aboitiz food business unit Pilmico Foods Corporation and Pilmico International were present, together with key business partners.

Among the attendees were Sabin M. Aboitiz, Pilmico President and Chief Executive Officer; Le Binh Hung, Eurofeed Director; and Nguyen Xuan Duong, Deputy General Director of the Department of Livestock Production, among others.

Aboitiz, in his acceptance message, said:

“We are celebrating another milestone for the Aboitiz Group, particularly for Pilmico, as it embarks on another international venture. Despite foreseen market challenges, Vietnam remains to be a strategic country for Pilmico, given its strong economy, a promising livestock industry and access to potential export markets… Pilmico’s presence in the ASEAN, expands through partnerships. Just like in any partnership, success depends upon the commitment and the synergies of both parties. We will work as a team, complementing each other, enhancing networks and relationships to bring out our competitive advantage.”

Following the turnover ceremony, Aboitiz officially announced that the Company has changed its name from the Eurofeed Joint Stock Company to Pilmico Animal Nutrition Joint Stock Company.

In July 2014, Pilmico acquired a 70% stake in leading Vietnamese aqua feed firm, Vinh Hoan Feeds, a leading and trusted supplier of aqua feed based in Dong Thap, Vietnam. Founded in

2007, it operates a 130,000 tons-per-year aqua feed facility producing primarily pangasius (fish) feed. Its research and development team operates a pilot farm facility to continuously improve pangasius health and productivity.

As the pastry and cookie baking has continued to flourish, coupled with creative innovations of local and international bakers, the basic bread baking seemed to have been forgotten by Filipino bakers. Because of this, Pilmico Foods Corporation comes to the rescue through their Tinapay Natin Pinoy Bread Baking Competition which had its first run this year. The competition is a joint effort by Pilmico Foods Corp. and Max’s Corner Bakery with the primary objective of elevating the country’s culture. “It is also connected with our Mahalin ang Pagkaing Atin advocacy which promotes for love for local produce. Through Tinapay Natin, we want to inspire the Filipinos especially the youth, to revisit the bread culture,” said Pilmico Foods Corp. Corporate Communications and Media Relations Supervisor Anna Gail Carreon. On September 30, the Mindanao leg of the competition was conducted at the Hotel and Restaurants Management (HRM) laboratory of the University of Mindanao Matina Campus. Twelve groups consisting of two members each competed for the slot for the grand finals.

For this year’s competition, it was also opened for hobbyists and not just for students, which made it even more accessible to everyone. The teams were given four hours to bake a regional bread and another one with a modern twist, both of which are from recipes that the participants have developed on their own. When the breads had been laid to cool down, the air was filled with aroma of comfort and warmth similar to when a warm blanket is pulled over your head on a rainy night. There were breads of different fillings and designs. Others used cinnamon, durian, mongo, yema, and a lot more which complemented the warmth waft in the air of the HRM laboratory. The judges were Malagos Chocolates and Malagos Garden Resort director Charisse Puentespina, Business Unit Manager of Max’s Corner Bakery Monette Aldos, Max’s Corner Bakery R&D Chef JR Velarde, Pilmico Foods Corporation Baking Technician for Luzon Wilburt Wong, and Pilmico Foods Corporation Baking Technician for Mindanao Felix Oracoy.

Out of the 12 teams, two are moving to the finals on November 16 to be held at the University of Santo Tomas where they would also compete with the winners of the Luzon and Visayas competition legs. For Mindanao, pastry crews from Cagayan de Oro City Aldrin Fajardo and Richard Mark Toloza were awarded the second place. First place was awarded to Pancho Galvez, Jr., a kitchen aide and Marven Mangubat, a baker both from Davao City. Their winning breads include their very own Durian Cheese Roll for the regional bread and their Dubemago cheese bread for the Modern Twist category. Dubemago is short for durian, ube, mango, and red mongo which are the primary ingredients of their winning bread. “We used four flavors in order to have flavor fusion in the bread and for us, the current trend really is fusion. Also, we used cream cheese in both of our breads,” said Galvez. When asked why she thought Galvez’ and Mangubat’s entry won first place in the competition, Puentespina said it is really about the way they used the indigenous ingredients that they had. “I think the competition is about using what is local in their particular area. I think they did very good in terms of presentation, practicality – how easy it is to produce, at the same time the taste,” she said. “More than the CSR, I think what Pilmico does here is going back to what we have,” Puentespina added.

The winners will get a cash prize of P10,000, Max’s Restaurant gift certificates, and a spot in the grand finals. Last year, students of St. Therese College from Iloilo won the national competition which made their winning Cream Cheese Ensaimada, Caramel Sesame Roll, and Cagayan de Oro Pastel available in all Max’s Corner Bakery nationwide.

Source: SunStar Davao

Sharing  a common objective in creating sustainable livelihood in the locality, the Department of Agriculture Bicol  together with the Department of Trade and Industry partnered with the Pilmico Foods Corporation and the Aboitiz Foundation Inc. in launching the Mahalin Pagkaing Atin Food & Agri Livelihood Expo caravan on October 17, 2017  held in this municipality.

The event was attended by more than 300 participants composed of farmers and aspiring  agri- entrepreneurs  giving them the opportunity to interact with local exhibitors and participate in the free seminars like “Starting and Growing Business”, Farrowing, Nursery to finisher Management and Baking.

“This is our  humble way of thanking those who patronized our product. We hope to instill a  pride of product, pride of place mindset and uplift the morale of farmers and local consumers“said Dr. Jefferson Canilang, Regional Sales Manager of Pilimico flour. It is our noble responsibility to feed the nation he said

On the other hand, DA undersecretary for Agribusines and Marketing and Regional Engagement Berna Romulo-Puyat in her message expressed her support to strengthen partnership with Pilmico  consistent with the DA mandate  to  provide food affordable and accessible to all by implementing community based projects. She encouraged consumers to buy straight from farmers and consume more vegetables.

Also present during the occasion were Adelina Losa, DA Agribusiness and Marketing Diviion, chief and Edwin Pasahol, Senior Trade and Development Specialist DTI-BSMED

Livelihood kits consisting of 45 piglets (3 piglet per beneficiary) and 6 bakery starter kits were also turned over by Pilmico  to 21 pre-screened beneficiaries from Camarines Sur.

The said company joins the DA’s campaign in promoting sustainable entrepreneurship through promotion of local produce and providing safe nutritious food for every Filipino.

Source: DA-Bicol

Aboitiz signed an agreement with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) for an Adopt a watershed project, and with RAFI to establish school-based tree growing nurseries.

The agreements further boosts the Aboitiz Group’s A-Park program, which is the organization’s contribution to the Philippine government’s national greening initiative. The program aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 15, which seeks to protect our planet’s forests and terrestrial ecosystems.

The PBSP partnership aims to plant and maintain 500,000 trees in about 313 hectares within the Marikina Watershed from 2017 to 2022 by engaging 50 households from six people’s organizations. The partnership with RAFI aims to plant and grow another 500,000 native trees through a school- and community-based approach across Cebu from 2017-2020. The latter project will establish tree nurseries in at least 300 schools led by 50,000 students. It will further provide tree-growing training to 150 DepEd teachers.

Remaining strongly committed to our sustainability mindset and involving our stakeholders in our flagship initiatives for the environment is key to fulfilling our promise of advancing business and communities.

The Filipinos’ love affair for bread has a long standing history and as we enjoy the different bread variants we have today, it is important to know the hard work and stories that come along with it. To develop this heightened sense of pride for local food, Pilmico and Max’s Corner Bakery strengthened its partnership to bring the annual Tinapay Natin Pinoy Bread Baking Competition to its grand finale.

The journey of passionate student and home bakers ran for three legs this year with the bake-offs held in Davao on September 30, 2017 for the Mindanao elimination leg, in Bacolod on October 6, 2017 for the Visayas stop, and in Baguio on October 14, 2017 for the Luzon elimination round.

This year, the competition received impressive entries from student bakers and non-professional home bakers, a testament that bread continues to play a big role in many Filipino households today. The top teams per elimination leg comprise the final six teams. This year’s grand finalists are: Pancho Galvez, Jr. and Marven Mangubat (Davao), Richard Toloza and Aldrin Fajardo (Davao), Marc Wenz Vallente and Rey Mark Sinco (Iloilo), Ray Anthony Lachica and Mike Gerard Delin (Baguio), John Mark dela Cruz and Ella Joy Simeon (Baguio), and Aristotle Collado and Emmanuel Banco Jr. (Cavite).

While the technical skills of the participants are important to the selection process, the judges also looked into the individual stories of the bread entries. The finalists’ creations were evaluated based on technique, creativity, and taste and texture.

 By the end of the final round, the judges saw that any one of them could take the championship — that’s how close the bake-off had become.

Gelonie Yap, Assistant Vice President for Brand and Marketing of Pilmico, told the finalists:

“I would like to let you know how much we appreciate your skills and your creativity. Without your continued support for Tinapay Natin, we will not be here today and soon, conclude the event’s second year. Though we will choose only one winner today, we hope that this experience will encourage you to keep the tradition of bread-making alive, and while doing so, you all become the storytellers of your respective provinces or areas. I think all of you have become wonderful examples to everyone today.”

The top team who emerged were university students from Baguio, John Mark dela Cruz and Ella Joy Simeon. Their winning recipes were a mix of traditional and modern breads: Star Monay de Coconut, Berry Choco bread, and Mango Pandan bread.

As the Grand Champions of Tinapay Natin, John and Ella received cash prizes and more importantly, the distinct honour of having their bread creations available through Max’s Corner Bakery nationwide as a limited offering.

The Philippines recently hosted the 2017 International Convention of Quality Control Circles (ICQCC) in Okada Manila. Pilmico’s Flour Quality Assurance Team was one of the big winners of the competition, besting other finalists from other Asian countries.

Organized by the Quality and Productivity Association of the Philippines (QPAP), the ICQCC is held to create an avenue for Quality Assurance experts to share Quality Control Circles (QCC) techniques and experiences.

Also part of the annual quality competition is the presentation of best practices of QCC practitioners in the region. Team Farina from the Quality Assurance – Flour department represented Pilmico Foods Corporation in this year’s ICQCC. Ferry Dave Bicoy, Kristine Grace Benitez, Nestea Paig, Mary Jane Mamalias and Teresita Daang comprised of the Pilmico Team.

With the theme, “ Quality Teams Evolved, Driving Change and Sustainability through Quality Circles”, Team Farina competed with delegates from 13 countries namely: Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Thailand and Taiwan.

Proudly wearing their Filipiniana costumes, they presented the QCC project titled, “A procedure to test the strength of alkaline noodles using the Extensograph”. At the end of the program, Team Farina was one of the big winners of the night, as they were called up on stage to receive a Silver Award from the judges.

Ferry Dave Bicoy, Team Member of Team Farina and Quality Assurance Analyst of Pilmico,  said:
“The experience itself was more than the silver award. Team Farina would not have reached this milestone without the support of Pilmico and our Team Adviser, Peter Tenido… The members of Team Farina are not experts, we are just simple individuals who continually look for better ways of doing things.”

PALAYAN CITY, Nueva Ecija – Ilan sa mga sundalong nasugatan sa pakikipagbakbakan sa 5 buwang digmaan sa Marawi City ang pansamantalang haharap sa mga kalan, imbis na sa kalaban.

Ito ay matapos magdesisyon ang pamunuan ng Hukbong Sandatahan na italaga ang ilang sundalong wounded in action na magsilbi sa “Noble Bakers”, isang panaderia sa loob ng Special Operations Command dito sa probinsya.

“After the Marawi siege, nakita natin marami tayong wounded doon. Ang objective ng Command ay to help the troops na doon sila mag-evolve. Sila ang magpapatakbo ng bakery na sa mga wounded din mapupunta ang kikitain,” ani Maj. Sonny Dungca.

Diretso sa bangko ang kinikita ng Noble Bakers. Ang pondo ay mapupunta sa mga pamiya ng mga sundalong sugatan, sabi ni Dungca.

Sinagot ng Aboitiz Group ang gastos para sa mga equipment at iba pang kasangkapan na gagamitin ng bakery, dagdag ni Dungca.

Isa sa mga itinalagang panaderong sundalo si Sgt. Eric Ubalde matapos siyang mabaril sa binti at tamaan ng shrapnel sa balikat.

“Magaan sa loob ko (ang gumawa ng tinapay) dahil nakakatulong ito sa ibang wounded in action. Nakakapagbigay pa rin ako ng serbisyo,” sabi ni Ubalde sa isang panayam sa ABS-CBN News.

Ayon sa mga sundalong bahagi ng Noble Bakers, patuloy silang pinapaalalahanan ng Hukbong Sandatahan na hindi hadlang ang anumang sugat o kapansanan para makapagbigay serbisyo sa bayan.

Watch the video here.

STORY BY: Noriel Padiernos, ABS-CBN News

From guns to baking pans: Wounded hero soldiers find another lease in life

Sgt. Eric Ubalde of the Special Operations Command (Socom) of the Philippine Army is no stranger from wars and battles. He had fought during the Zamboanga siege, survived encounters in Jolo, Sulu and Lanao del Sur, and most recently, fought during the Marawi siege.

He had four gunshot wounds to remind him of these battles.

Ubalde may have survived Marawi last May but he didn’t leave the war-torn city unharmed. While clearing one of the abandoned houses, the Maute terrorists fired at the soldiers, hitting him in the face. That was the last time he got shot.

To date, three bullets remain inside his body. He is currently recovering inside Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija.

“Di ko masyado magalaw may tumutusok. Ooperahan daw pag umangat na yung bala. Marami daw nerves na maapektuhan ’pag inopera,” Ubalde said.

(I cannot move it, it’s as if something stitches. They would operate it once the bullet raises. A lot of nerves will be affected once it undergoes surgery.)

Ubalde is thankful that he has survived another battle, and he is much more thankful that he found another lease in life. The sergeant has been chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the Noble Bakers’ Project of the Aboitiz Foundation, the corporate foundation of the Aboitiz Group, in partnership with the Socom Foundation, Inc. (SFI).

He, along with 59 other wounded soldiers underwent a comprehensive bakery management training program provided by Pilmico Foods Corporation, the food subsidiary of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. They were taught how to cost and develop bakery products, bake bread, cakes, cookies, pizza dough, among others.

Apart from the training, the Aboitiz Foundation also donated heavy-duty baking equipment like oven, mixer and baking utensils to The Noble Baker’s Bakery inside Fort Magsaysay, which was built by the Socom.

The bakery is now operational with captured market which includes the soldiers and residents inside the military reservation and as well as the neighboring schools.

The proceeds of the bakery would go to the dependents of wounded soldiers like Ubalde, Socom Deputy Commander Col. Rey Aquino said.

“Yung proceeds dito mapupunta sa SFI, yung sa special operations foundation, yan po yung nagsu-support sa mga wounded personnel natin, habang nasa ospital sila yung kanilang mga kamag-anak na nagbabantay, meron tayong pang-sustain doon,” he said.

(The proceeds would go to the SFI, the special operations foundation, that’s the organization that supports our wounded personnel. While they are in the hospital, they are with their family members who will attend to them, so we can also provide for them.)

Now, Ubalde finds great joy in helping his fellow wounded soldiers not with the use of guns or bullets but rather with the use of baking pans and rolling pins.

Original articles: Inquirer.net

What would it take for you to get a good education?

For students living in Sitio Dam and Sitio Bayabas, this would mean going around the highway and walking for almost an hour just to reach their school.

For years, students have struggled to go to their schools especially during typhoon season. Intermittent weather and neck-high waters would prohibit students access to Armenia Integrated School and Sitio Dam Elementary School resulting in poor attendance and academic performance.

With the help of Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corporation, what would normally take them almost an hour’s worth of walking would now only take them 10 minutes following the turnover of a 200-meter bridge that connects the two sitios in Armenia, Tarlac City. In mid-December, the construction of this bridge was completed, benefitting over 4,000 residents in the local community of Armenia.

Roderic dela Cruz, PANC  Assistant Vice President for Feedmill Operations, one of the proponents of the project said: “The construction of the Armenia bridge serves as a symbol of our growing partnership between these communities and Pilmico. We are privileged to partner with you as we advance business and communities together.”

Hon. Carlos Castaneda, Barangay Captain of Armenia expressed: “Napakagandang pasimula po ng taon ito para sa amin at sa mga residente ng aming barangay. Hindi na po kailangang umikot pa ng highway para lang makatawid sa Sitio Dam at Sitio Bayabas. Nagpapasalamat po kami sa lahat ng taong tumulong sa paggawa ng tulay na ito.”

Meanwhile, Aboitiz Foundation Inc. First Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Maribeth Marasigan said: “For some, this may seem to be an ordinary bridge that connects Sitio Dam and Sitio Bayabas. But for many of us, this bridge connects lives, livelihoods, and dreams, especially of students of the schools nearby. It is such a relief to know that we have co-created a safer community, that children will no longer have to skip classes when the river’s water level increases, or that your communities will no longer be isolated during heavy rains. ”