The Aboitiz Group has linked up with Baguio City-based Session Groceries and SG Farmers Association in a capacity-building and food processing program that optimizes the ability of Benguet farmers to market their farm produce directly onto Filipino tables.
The agreement allows Aboitiz Group subsidiary firm Hedcor Inc. to extend food processing starter kits and business mentoring sessions with farmer members under the “Byaheng Digiskarte goes to Benguet” Project.
‘Byaheng Digiskarte’ is the micro, small, medium enterprises (MSME) and cooperative mentoring program of Aboitiz Foundation in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), the Department of Agriculture (DA) and various mentor partners.
The project, which covers several Aboitiz supported cooperatives nationwide, will make a stopover in Benguet for its Luzon leg.
The project aims to help agri-MSMEs become “madigiskarteng” agripreneur with proper knowledge and skills in food processing and the use of appropriate digital tools and technologies in selling their products online.
The availability and access to processing facilities will enable the farmers to minimize vegetable wastes generated and optimize their income.
Session Groceries has since expanded from catering to the needs of Baguio City residents in 2018 to delivering its farm-fresh products to Metro Manila with the use of its online app.
‘Byaheng Digiskarte’ is the flagship project of the Enterprise Development Program of Aboitiz Foundation designed to help in the recovery and growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and cooperatives affected by the pandemic.
Since its launch in April 2021, the program has partnered with several stakeholders including national government agencies, non-profit organizations, financial institutions and other e-commerce and digital platforms.
