Tales from our Kubo

“We are delighted to have CSR partners who share the same values, and the vision of caring and creating a positive impact in Filipino communities,” says Anna Marie Periquet, vice president for Corporate Affairs of MRSGI.

“Having a retail giant like MRSGI spearhead this initiative is a testament to their commitment to uplifting lives through increased opportunities in education and livelihood, and we are truly proud to be part of One Metro Community,” said de Villa.

Matti added, “We are in need to expand our reach every day to be able to sell what our farming families produce under Fair Trade conditions. The partnership with MRSGI is an answered prayer in achieving our goals, since having a presence in MRSGI stores supports our vision for the communities we support.”

“Our adlai is grown in Impasugong, Bukidnon, and harvested by more than forty small-scale farmers and farm workers, whom we provide with high-quality seeds, technical assistance, and market access,” said Patricia de Villa, General Manager of Kiboa Ridge Farms. “Cultivating adlai boosts farmers’ income and allows us to deliver safe and nutritious food to consumers.”

GreenEarth Heritage Foundation, on the other hand, maintains a sustainable farm and reforestation site at the foothills of the Sierra Madre in San Miguel, Bulacan.

“We envision GreenEarth to be a model eco-community that enables a brighter future for our family beneficiaries,” said Mylene Matti, M.D., GreenEarth Heritage Foundation Founder and Executive Director. 100% of proceeds from the sale of their moringa tea supports their communities.

MICRO, small, and medium enterprises are not only the backbone of the Philippine economy; they also bring growth to the communities where they are located. For these small businesses and the local communities to thrive and continually adapt, it is crucial for them to receive support and patronage.

In its commitment to support and empower Filipino microentrepreneurs, Cebu-based retailer Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. (MRSGI) has strengthened its existing CSR partnership with adlai producer Kiboa Ridge Farms, and moringa producer GreenEarth Heritage Foundation.

Through this partnership, MRSGI provides these microentrepreneurs access to a wider market by making their products available in select Metro branches.

Nowadays, people are seeing the importance of healthy food consumption and domestic food production. This is the same reason why a couple decided to convert their main crop from coffee to adlai a few years ago.

Shop for a cause from the comfort of your own home at the first Virtual Metro Community Bazaar beginning July 6 until July 31.

In celebration of National Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Month, the virtual bazaar is spearheaded by Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. (MRSGI) in partnership with Vicsal Foundation Inc. (VFI). VFI is the non-stock, non-profit private domestic corporation that champions the CSR initiatives of MRSGI owner and operator, Vicsal Development Corporation.

With the theme “We Rise as One Metro Family”, the activity is part of the ongoing efforts of MRSGI and VFI to extend care to vulnerable communities across the Philippines.

Adlai is being promoted by the Department of Agriculture as an important food crop not only because it is more nutritious than rice and corn, but because it is more tolerant of crop pests and diseases. While it is considered as an upland grain, Adlai has been observed to adapt well in different elevations and to climate change. Out of the 11 varieties of adlai found in the Philippines, Kiboa Ridge Farms has concentrated in cultivating Kibuwa and Gulian adlai in Bukidnon. These grains are bigger in size, whiter in color, and provide better eating quality that closely resembles rice.

MANILA -- Gaisano-led Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. has launched its first virtual bazaar amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of supporting social enterprises in the country.

The Virtual Metro Community Bazaar kicked off on July 6 and will run until July 31. The online event is supported by the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, and the Department of Interior and Local Government.