COVID-19 Response Corporate Social Responsibility AP Renewables, Inc. Sustainability

Aboitiz companies help rebuild small businesses in Albay

March 10, 2021

Aboitiz Foundation Inc., in partnership with AboitizPower geothermal business unit AP Renewables Inc. - Tiwi, recently turned over PHP 136,785 worth of  “restarter kits” to the Association of Bamboo and Coco Craft (ABC) and Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) cooperatives  in Tiwi, Albay.

‘Project Restart’ is a three-year recovery program that aims to support selected partner-cooperatives and Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) nationwide in restarting their operation and recovering from the economic loss and failure brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the first year of the program, the partner-cooperatives will receive restarter kits that are necessary for their operations. ABC cooperative received an angle grinder, drill press with drill vise, compressor, spray gun, and a rechargeable hand drill that will help in the production of  coco crafts. On the other hand, KALIPI cooperative received two units of electric sewing machine, 50 yards each of  Neoprene cloth with and without design, and 200 yards each of Canvass and Katrina cloth. The turnover ceremony was attended by Hon. Jaime C. Villanueva-Tiwi Municipality Mayor, Alexandro Condat - ABC President, and Araceli Clutario - KALIPI Federation President.

“It will be a big help for me as the Federation President to extend and provide livelihood opportunities to the marginalized women in our community. On behalf of KALIPI, thank you so much AFI at APRI for the generosity,” said KALIPI Federation President Araceli Clutario.

ABC President Alexandro Condat shared, “Salamat po Aboitiz Foundation at APRI sa binigay ninyo po sa amin na mga kagamitan. Napakalaking tulong po ito sa aming asosasyon.

The project will be implemented in selected host communities of Aboitiz business units nationwide where partner-cooperatives are located. The collaboration among the different government agencies, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), and private entities is vital for the success of the program. The framework of Restart Program is aligned with the recovery plan of the government which includes financial assistance, supply chain, and market linkages for new business, business diversification or reinvention, skills development, and retooling.

“Resilience is very important in these changing times. As long as we are operating, APRI and AFI will always fulfill its promise of Advancing Business and Communities,” said APRI Vice President for Corporate Services Noemi Sebastian.

“The commitment and perseverance of our assisted community groups, ABC and KALIPI, inspire us to continue delivering projects quickly and safely to our host communities. Our goal is to help them recover and become more resilient as we go through the challenges of this pandemic together,” said Aboitiz Foundation President and COO Maribeth L. Marasigan.

At the end of this three-year program, AFI and APRI are positive that the partner-cooperatives will be able to create more employment opportunities for the communities despite the pandemic.