THE Aboitiz Group’s corporate social responsibility arm Aboitiz Foundation in partnership with Visayan Electric and the Rafi Micro-finance Inc. (Rafi MFI), will provide more livelihood opportunities that promote and foster the development of agro-entrepreneurs in backyard farming as part of the Group’s #RebuildCebu campaign.
The Livelihood Recovery Program aims to restart their business operation and recover from economic loss brought about by Typhoon Odette (Rai). The project will also help agro-entrepreneurs augment their income, enhance the capacity of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through training and technical support and provide access to financial/capital assistance.
“These commitments are anchored on our belief that the advancement of business and communities is integral to the development of our society and our country. Together with our business units, Aboitiz Foundation will accelerate our efforts and resources to drive change for a better world by co-creating communities that are resilient, empowered, and sustainable,” Aboitiz Foundation president and chief operating officer Maribeth Marasigan said.
Meanwhile, Visayan Electric shall support, facilitate and implement the programs that are mutually agreed to elevate the lives of the clients and beneficiaries of the organizations.
“The livelihood projects that we are giving to cooperatives and organizations are fitting because it is our way of showing them that while we care about the business of keeping the lights on, we also care about giving them the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Truly, this is advancing business and communities in action,” Visayan Electric president engineer Raul Lucero said.
Rafi MFI is engaged in providing comprehensive financial and non-financial services to micro and small entrepreneurs. It is currently operating in the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Siquijor, Panay, Sorsogon, Camarines, Caraga region, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon serving more than 500,000 clients.
“We’re happy to partner with the Aboitiz Foundation in the implementation of the Pilmico program. There are great opportunities in nurturing and fostering agro-entrepreneurs, particularly in backyard livestock and we look forward to seeing their businesses grow through this partnership. Rafi Micro Finance is committed in supporting micro-entrepreneurs and improving their economic well-being,” Rafi MFI chief operating officer Jonar Dorado said.
Last month, Aboitiz Foundation, together with Cebu-based Aboitiz business units, namely AboitizLand Inc. and Visayan Electric, signed an agreement with the local government units of Liloan and Talisay City in Cebu for the provision of 60 motorized fishing boats to 60 selected fishermen living in the coastal areas to help them recover from the devastation caused by Typhoon Odette. This project aims to revive the livelihood of the fishermen and enables them to go back to fishing.
Aboitiz is also working with Wilfred and Bonnie Uytengsu Foundation for the repair of 43 Odette-damaged classrooms in five public schools located in Lapu-Lapu and Liloan. This is in preparation for limited face-to-face classes in the coming school year. (PR)