From Feeds and Farms to Families: Pilmico Animal Nutrition, Nourishing the Nation for 28 Years

(As published on BusinessWorld Spotlight)

Every nutritious meal begins on the farm, where quality nutrition and the dedication of Filipino farmers help provide safe and wholesome food for families.

For nearly three decades, Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corporation (Pilmico), an Aboitiz Foods company, has worked alongside farmers, customers, and industry partners to support the growth of Philippine agriculture.

Marking its 28th anniversary this National Nutrition Month, the company reflects on how its promise of being Partners for Growth has taken shape over the years: through quality animal nutrition, responsible production, longstanding partnerships, and investments in the people who will strengthen the food value chain—from feeds to farms to every family’s table.

“Over the years, Pilmico has worked to earn the trust of farmers, customers, and communities by growing alongside them and adapting to their evolving needs,” said Norie Bermudez, Aboitiz Foods’ First Vice President and Agribusiness Philippines Country Director, adding, “As food systems continue to evolve, our commitment remains the same—to deliver innovative mill-to-meal solutions, cultivate lasting partnerships, and help create a more resilient and sustainable future for Philippine agriculture.”

Established in 1998, Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corporation has expanded its expertise from animal nutrition to farms and meat production, building a more integrated food and agribusiness in the Philippines. As part of Aboitiz Foods, Pilmico contributes to the company’s purpose of sustainably feeding Asia’s growth from mill to meal while advancing responsible practices that support food security and environmental stewardship.

Building better food systems

Aligned with the theme of National Nutrition Month, “Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan!” which underscores the connection between healthy people, sustainable agriculture, and a thriving environment, Pilmico continues to invest in the quality, safety, and efficiency of its operations to better serve its customers and protect future food sources by integrating responsible practices into its everyday operations.

Over the years, these efforts have resulted in several milestones across the business.

Tarlac Meatmasters became the Philippines’ first multi-meat processing facility to earn Triple-AAA accreditation in three categories—Slaughterhouse (2021), Meat Cutting Plant (2023), and, most recently, Cold Storage Warehouse (August 2025).

Meanwhile, through its Poultry division, Pilmico became the first company in Asia to receive the Hendrix Genetics 500 Egg Club Award for excellence in layer productivity.

In 2022, Pilmico also expanded its production capacity through its modern Breeder and Nursery Farm in Talugtug, Nueva Ecija. Designed with enhanced biosecurity measures, the facility supports the company’s efforts to boost local pork production.

Bermudez remarked, “By continuously improving our nutrition solutions, production standards, and technical support, we help our customers grow while contributing to a stronger and more future-ready food system.”

Responsible operations also require continuous improvement in resource management. This is seen in initiatives such as the Tarlac Feedmill Solar Panel Project, participation in the National Greening Program, and community tree-planting initiatives. These efforts have earned the company consistent recognition from the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PCAPI) for its environmental management practices. 

These achievements are underpinned by a culture of excellence and workplace safety, exemplified by the Tarlac feedmill’s 4.5 million safe man-hours over 1,000 consecutive days.

Together, these efforts help Pilmico strengthen its operations while continuing to improve how it serves customers.

Partners for growth

For Pilmico, being a Partner for Growth means equipping farmers with the knowledge and support they need to thrive. Through its customer support programs, the company shares practical expertise and technical guidance in animal nutrition, biosecurity, feed efficiency, and farm management – enabling customers to improve productivity and adapt to evolving industry needs.

That partnership is reflected in the experience of Marilou Capiendo, a duck raiser from San Jose, Tarlac, who has worked with Pilmico for more than 15 years while creating livelihood opportunities for fellow women in her community.

“Para sa akin, ang tagumpay ay iyong nakakatulong ka rin sa mga kagaya mong nagne-negosyo o gustong magnegosyo. Nakakatulong ako sa mga kapwa kong kababaihan na bigyan sila ng paninda. Nakikita nila na kung nakaya naming mag-negosyo, kaya rin nila,” says Marilou.

(“For me, true success is being able to help others who have a business or are aspiring to start one. I am able to empower my fellow women by providing them with products to sell. When they see what we’ve achieved, they realize that if we can do it, they can, too.”)

Marilou’s journey demonstrates how empowering one farmer can create opportunities for many others.

Beyond supporting customers, Pilmico works with the government, communities, and  Aboitiz Foundation on livelihood, education, and disaster resilience initiatives. These include AuroraPH, which brought solar power systems and digital connectivity to public schools in Tarlac and Nueva Ecija, as well as volunteer efforts through Brigada Eskwela and disaster response programs.

Shaping the future

Beyond today’s farmers, Pilmico is championing the next generation of agricultural and food industry professionals who will shape the future of food.

In Central Luzon, Pilmico recently partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Infinity Vocational Training School Inc. to provide TESDA-accredited meat butchery training at its world-class Tarlac Meatmasters facility, equipping learners with industry-ready skills for the country’s meat sector.

Through its longstanding partnership with Pampanga State Agricultural University, Pilmico supports future agricultural leaders through the Aboitiz Future Leaders’ College Scholarship program, providing scholarships, industry exposure, and leadership development opportunities.

The company also provided a platform for aspiring veterinarians and animal scientists to gain practical exposure to animal nutrition, livestock production, and food security through the Pilmico Jr. Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Congress (PJVAC).

“Attending the first PJVAC as a fifth-year Veterinary Medicine student showed me that veterinary medicine goes beyond caring for animals to supporting farmers, strengthening food security, and serving communities. That experience inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a meaningful impact,” shared Dr. Emiechelle Rivera, Veterinary Services and Technical Specialist for Poultry and a PJVAC alumna.

From providing opportunities to students to developing industry-ready professionals, Pilmico continues to invest in the people who will contribute to a thriving agriculture for generations to come.

After 28 years of serving the nation’s food and agriculture sector, Pilmico’s impact extends beyond quality animal nutrition to the farmers whose livelihoods have grown, the communities that have become stronger, and the next generation of agricultural professionals. Together with its customers and partners, Pilmico stays true to its commitment to delivering lasting value while helping nourish the future.