Pasig, Philippines, 13th October 2022 – Metro Pacific Investments Foundation Inc. (MPIF), the corporate social responsibility arm of leading infrastructure conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), distributed 50 bicycles to members of the Aeta Community in Sapang Uwak, Porac, Pampanga.
Through a beneficiary partnership with Neo Zigma Cycle Corporation and Interval Gear Events Management (IGEM), MPIF mobilized the fifth leg of its Puhunang Pangkabuhayan program for alternative livelihood, with the help of the Pinatubo Eco-Adventure and Cultural Enclave Katutubong Anak ng Mount Pinatubo (PEACE KAMP) and Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc.
“We are extremely grateful that cycling events similarly organized by Neo Zigma, are able to elevate social consciousness specially for indigenous communities who have been part of our beneficiaries,” said MPIF President Melody del Rosario. “We look forward to more meaningful collaborations which will expand our reach and augment our livelihood programs through MPIF’s Puhunang Pangkabuhayan.”
For Our Kababayang Katutubo
PEACE KAMP, an independent, non-partisan and non-profit organization, was created to address the lack of opportunity and poverty confronting the Aetas of Sapang Uwak, who like other rural communities, are impacted by the effects of and fallout from insurgency, volcano eruptions, and neglect. The organization has a primary goal to build capability by training and developing the Aetas to support indigenous skills for sustainable economic endeavors.
With the goal of rehabilitation and resurgence in mind, MPIF developed Puhunang Pangkabuhayan to become a sustainable alternative livelihood program to benefit vulnerable sectors by providing the necessary tools to get them back on their feet.
This partnership between MPIF and PEACE KAMP was brought upon by a mutual belief that development and progress ensures that no one is left behind simply because of their circumstances – primarily those who are less fortunate, vulnerable, excluded and oppressed.
“Our Aeta brethren have the potential to contribute to local economies but have merely lacked the avenues to channel their untapped capabilities,” said PEACE KAMP Community Relations Coordinator Patricia Mas. “Through the support of like-minded advocates like MPIF and their partners, we open a door for them to create even more value in our society.”
Building Capability with Bicycles
Puhunang Pangkabuhayan in Sapang Uwak was made possible by MPIF’s beneficiary partnership with Neo Zigma Cycle Corporation and Interval Gear Events Management (IGEM), the organizers of the 1st Philippine Cycling Festival. The donation was equivalent to 20% of the generated cash sponsorship, registration fees, and ticket fees from the expo. Beyond bolstering the positive cycling culture in the country, the event also became a ground for all participants to invest in meaningful programs through MPIF.
“We are blessed to have been able to tie together our passion for cycling with MPIF’s purpose to help create better lives for our countrymen,” says Neo Zigma Vice President Stephanie Sioco. “Our partnership gave a different kind of power to these bicycles, as they are now a means for this community to reach a better life.”
As of June last year, Puhunang Pangkabuhayan has provided over 110 alternative livelihood tools such as bicycles, sewing & edging machines, pocket Wi-Fi units, and load retailer kits to areas in Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, Surigao del Norte, and Pangasinan.
Puhunang Pangkabuhayan is aligned with Gabay Kabuhayan, one of the MVP Group’s Gabay Advocacies for a Sustainable Philippines. It is also in line MPIC’s efforts to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly 1 No Poverty and 17 Partnerships for the Goals.
This partnership bolsters MPIF’s role alongside MPIC, as the largest catalyst for a Sustainable Philippines, aimed to improve the lives in the country through providing essential services and mobilizing advocacies that uplift the quality of life of all Filipinos.
About MPIC
MPIC is a leading infrastructure investment company with holdings in Manila Electric Company, Maynilad Water Services, Inc., MetroPac Water Investments Corporation, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings Inc., Light Rail Manila Corporation and mWell PH.
The Company seeks to create long-term value for all its stakeholders through responsible and sustainable investments that contribute to national progress and improve the quality of life in the communities it serves.
MPIC and its group of companies are making a difference in the lives of millions of Filipinos, powering commerce and households, connecting people and places, delivering clean and safe water, and making world-class healthcare available to all.
About MPIF
Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (“MPIF”) is a constituent of the Corporate Social Responsibility Council of the Manuel V. Pangilinan (“MVP”) group of companies, known as “Tulong Kapatid”. It has a Board of Trustees and is collectively managed by MVP group representatives with the objective of complementing MPIC’s investment and management strategy in physical infrastructure and public services by helping to alleviate poverty, provide high-quality educational opportunities for children and promote conservation of our natural environment.
