Kneading Hope: Pilmico empowers Sitio Tala through livelihood project

In the heart of San Jose, Tarlac, a brighter future is beginning to rise, where livelihood meets purpose and dreams take shape through the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corporation (Pilmico) and Aboitiz Foundation Inc. formally turned over a fully equipped bakery facility to the Masikap Abelling Farmers Inc., a people’s organization based in Sitio Tala, Brgy. Burgos. 

The initiative is part of Panaderya sa Kanayunan, a project under the Philippine Army’s “Makabagong Bayanihan para sa Kabuhayan” Development Support Program. It is also supported by Pilmico’s Livelihood Kit Program, which empowers beneficiaries to start sustainable businesses, whether through livestock farming or bakery ventures, helping build stronger, more resilient communities.

The turnover ceremony gathered community leaders and partners whose collaboration made the project possible. Attendees included representatives from Aboitiz Foods, the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, the 702nd Infantry Brigade, the local government of San Jose, and various government agencies including the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Tarlac, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Tarlac. 

At the heart of this initiative is the Masikap Abelling Farmers Inc. Composed of 22 active members, this SEC-registered organization works to enhance the lives of its members through resilience, unity, and entrepreneurship. With the establishment of the bakery, the organization now has the resources to develop a sustainable business that can support families, train local bakers, and provide the community with affordable, high-quality bread made from locally sourced ingredients.

Aboitiz Foods provided a livelihood package worth ₱200,000, which includes industrial bakery equipment such as an oven, spiral mixer, proofing racks, stainless steel tables, and LPG tanks. The package also comes with baking ingredients, including ten bags of Pilmico flour, as well as hands-on training to equip the farmers with the skills to run a successful bakery.

Brigadier General Cesar A. Molina, Commander of the 702nd Infantry Brigade, remarked, “This project is the result of unity, collaboration, and the tireless efforts of various agencies and private sector partners who supported our mission. It symbolizes our hope and determination to improve our livelihoods in innovative and sustainable ways.”

Pamela Lynne Liwag, Assistant Vice President for Brand & Reputation at Aboitiz Foods, highlighted the importance of livelihood programs in building sustainable communities, “We believe that nourishment goes beyond food. It includes nurturing capabilities, livelihoods, and connections among communities. Panaderya sa Kanayunan is one way we live out that commitment.”

“Para sa amin, higit pa ito sa panaderya,” said Merly Mamaril, President of the Masikap Abelling Farmers Inc. “Ito ay katuparan ng aming mga pangarap at bunga ng pagtutulungan. Patunay ito na kapag may suporta at tiwala sa amin, kaya naming makagawa ng pagbabago para sa aming pamilya at komunidad.” [For us, it’s more than just a bakery… This is the fulfillment of our dreams and the fruit of our collaboration. It’s proof that when people support and trust us, we can make a difference for our family and community.