
Transforming Farmers into Entrepreneurs
In an inspiring move towards sustainable agriculture and empowerment, Jollibee Foods Corp. has stepped into the farming communities of Nueva Ecija, specifically San Jose City, to launch their Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP). This initiative aims to uplift the beleaguered onion farmers in the region, helping them transition from mere laborers to successful agro-entrepreneurs.
The Role of Kalasag Multipurpose Cooperative
The Kalasag Multipurpose Cooperative has played a pivotal role in this transformation. With roots going back to just 30 members in 2008, the cooperative has now expanded to over 71 members and has become a significant onion supplier for Jollibee. Under the leadership of board chair Arnold Dizon, farmers have learned to create comprehensive supply plans and have obtained vital certifications such as the Department of Agriculture’s Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Asia-GAP.
Financial Resilience through Cooperative Efforts
Economic stability has come in waves of change since the establishment of the cooperative. Wencelito Gomez reflects on their past hardships, where onions fetched as little as P 1 per kilo, leaving farmers barely surviving. Today's success owes much to the connections made with NGOs and corporate partners through initiatives like the FEP. The cooperative not only creates a supportive community but also provides members with dividends, loans, and educational resources.
A Bright Future for Nueva Ecija Farmers
The future looks promising for these agro-entrepreneurs as Jollibee takes commendable strides to change the landscape of farming in the Philippines. As the cooperative evolves into a community-centric business, it fosters ambitious prospects for local farmers and their families, ensuring food security while uplifting economic conditions.
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