OVP links major sardine producer with local chili, tomato growers

ZAMBOANGA CITY--Vice President Leni Robredo on Thursday said her office (OVP) managed to convince a major canned sardine manufacturer here to source its needed chili and tomato paste for processed sardine productions from local farmers.

Robredo, who flew to this city on Thursday, said they are replicating in this city the same partnerships between large companies and local farmers under her office's anti-poverty “Angat Buhay” program.

“This is an opportunity that is doable,” Robredo said, referring to the partnership between Ayala Seafoods Corp. makers of Mega brand sardines, and local farmers who are into chili and tomato productions.

She said the program aims to bridge big food corporations and local farmers for the supply of raw materials, cutting the middlemen in the process and resulting in reduced cost and increased profits for both manufactures and suppliers.

Robredo said her office seeks to replicate the program because of its success in Bicol areas, where a major fast-food giant is now sourcing their vegetables directly from farmers.

Michael Tiu Lim, an executive of Ayala Seafoods Corp., said they are supporting the initiative as they have been intending to source their raw materials locally.

“We have pledged our support for this program,” Lim told the Philippines News Agency on the sidelines of the forum, adding that a substantial number of sardine canneries here import their tomato paste -- a crucial ingredient for canned sardine products -- from China.

For the chili, Lim said they want to engage first with farmers’ cooperatives in this city. Chili is used as an added flavor for the company's “Hot and Spicy” canned sardine variety.

Canned sardine manufacturers in this city controls roughly 85 percent of the sardines' market in the country, and employs at least 30,000 workers.

Meanwhile, Robredo is scheduled to provide a shelter for Yakan weavers in Lamitan City in the neighboring island province of Basilan on Friday.

Basilan is known for its unique designs of Yakan hand loomed fabrics. Yakan is the main ethnic tribe of the Basilan.

She is also scheduled to launch a livelihood program, together with Dualtech Center, a training facility with 140 partner companies, for former Abu Sayyaf members who earlier surrendered to authorities and out-of-school youths in the town of Sumisip also in Basilan. (PNA)