MPIF's Bayan Tanim Seen To Lead To Food Sufficiency

Bayan Tanim, a Metro Pacific Investments Foundation Inc., (MPIF) pandemic response that was named the Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility project in the country, is seen to provide the template for President Marcos Jr.'s attempt at food self-sufficiency for the country.

Photo Insert: As of this year, Bayan Tanim! has benefitted approximately 4,014 families in 43 communities in Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan, Pasay, Taguig, Cavite, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pampanga, and Tarlac. It raised millions from stakeholders who lauded the program’s concepts.

MPIF’s project, which was named by the League of Corporate Foundations as the top in Disaster Resilience, is expected to be embraced by local government units for its innovative thrust that will even showcase community efforts for the challenge to produce food at the grassroots level.

The program conceptualized by MPIF arose from the challenges due to the pandemic and it provided for the creation of pocket gardens in communities from where vegetables were raised and harvested for those in need.

Communities received start-up planting kits containing basic cultivation essentials such as seeds, seedlings, fertilizer, and soilless potting mix, which were distributed along with freshly harvested vegetables thus resulting in a Bayanihan concept that could be replicated by the government as it dovetailed with the program of President Marcos Jr. for food self-sufficiency, a key reason for his handling of the Agriculture portfolio.

Bayan Tanim was one of eight programs lauded among entries from 20 member organizations of the LCF. With the initial target to distribute 1,000 planting kits, the program largely surpassed its goal due to donations received by the MPI Foundation, totaling 2,905 planting kits provided to benefit 3,004 families from 31 communities.

"Upholding the spirit of working together is of unparalleled value when it comes to national progress – particularly during stages of recovery and resurgence,” said MPIC President, Chairman, and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.

“Programs such as Bayan Tanim! harness the power of collaborative community effort into creating positive community impact for its beneficiaries.”

MPIF President Melody del Rosario said the concept was hatched with the idea of the company moving past relief assistance and pivoting towards a more sustainable program for our beneficiaries, even after the pandemic.

"Bayan Tanim! is a program that not only focuses on resilience and recovery but also centers on re-igniting the spirit of Bayanihan, while contributing to the community’s health, well-being, and self-sufficiency,” said del Rosario.

As of this year, Bayan Tanim! has benefitted approximately 4,014 families in 43 communities in Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan, Pasay, Taguig, Cavite, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pampanga, and Tarlac. It raised millions from stakeholders who lauded the program’s concepts.

The LCF CSR Guild Awards is a recognition program that bestows a seal of excellence in corporate citizenship to the most reputable and premier organizations implementing initiatives for social good with a meaningful and sustainable impact on the communities and institutions.

The accolade also acknowledges the importance of collaboration in achieving greater positive change for the benefit of more people.

The recognition of this program bolsters MPIF’s role alongside MPIC, as the largest catalyst for a Sustainable Philippines, aimed to improve the lives in the country through providing essential services and mobilizing advocacies that uplift the quality of life of all Filipinos.

WEEKLY FEATURE : MVP Group Keeps Lights On During Pandemic