(Clockwise) Aboitiz Foundation President and COO Maribeth L. Marasigan, Session Groceries Co-founder and CEO Iloisa Romaraog-Diga, SG Group of Farmers Benguet President Girlie Sahoy and Hedcor Inc.’s Vice President for Corporate Services, Noreen Marie Vicencio during the virtual MOA signing for the ‘Byaheng Digiskarte’ project last March 23, 2022. This project aims to teach farmers the use of digital tools to optimize farmers’ income.
Aboitiz Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Aboitiz Group, together with AboitizPower’s subsidiary Hedcor Inc., signed a memorandum of agreement with Session Groceries and SG Farmer group for the “Byaheng Digiskarte goes to Benguet” Project. Aside from the mentoring sessions, the farmer beneficiaries will receive capacity building training and food processing starter kits.
‘Byaheng Digiskarte’ is the micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs) and cooperative mentoring program of Aboitiz Foundation in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), 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.
“I am happy that Byaheng Digiskarte will go to Benguet and partner with Session Groceries to help our agri-MSMEs keep up with up-to-date technology. I look forward to hearing your inspiring stories as to how lives have changed after this project. I also hope that we can maintain our strong connections and continue to be partners in advancing business and communities,” said Aboitiz Foundation (AFI) President and COO Maribeth L. Marasigan.
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.
“Byaheng Digiskarte making its stopover in Benguet is very exciting for us in Hedcor, as it allows us to have more beneficiary-partners in advancing business and communities. Creating this platform to bridge our agripreneurs to consumers through this partnership with Session Groceries and the SG Farmers Association is a testament of how the power of technology and the Aboitiz value of responsibility can create significant impact in both our host communities and the general public,” said Hedcor’s Vice President for Corporate Services Noreen Marie Vicencio.
Session Groceries, the farm-to-table appS
Session Groceries is a farm-to-table app that connects local partners and consumers to support local agribusiness, promote a sustainable lifestyle and educate the community on the benefits of eating fresh, locally grown food. Founded in 2018, they reach their market through online selling and also aims to help the farmers make a better living by getting steady income for harvests than what they usually earn from traditional markets.
“Kami ay nagpapasalamat sa Aboitiz sa pagsama sa Session Groceries at SG Farmers Association. Isang karangalan na mapabilang at mabigyan ng mga kagamitan ang mga magsasaka. Hindi madaling mag umpisa at mag sustain pero dahil sa mga pagkakataon na ibinibigay ng grupo na gaya nyo ay dumadali lahat. Sisikapan namin na mapabuti ang ginagawa namin para kagaya nyo ay maging blessing kami sa ibang tao at sa community na ginagalawan namin. Salamat Aboitiz sa lahat ng tulong, (We are grateful to Aboitiz for partnering with Session Groceries and SG Farmers Association. It is an honor to be included and to receive equipment for the farmers. It’s not easy to start and sustain but because of the opportunities provided by groups like you, everything becomes easy. We will try to do well in what we do so we can also be a blessing to other people and the community we serve just like you. Thank you Aboitiz for all the help,” said Session Groceries Co-Founder and CEO Iloisa Romaraog-Diga.
‘Byaheng Digiskarte’ is a 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 that were affected during 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.
