PASIG CITY, Philippines – Monde Nissin Corporation has announced a year-long partnership with social enterprise Hapinoy to uplift sari-sari stores through education opportunities and capital grants as part of their Tulong Sulong livelihood program.
The Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Atty. Olive Misa, Monde Nissin Corporate and Government Affairs Head, Monde Nissin Public Affairs Head Marc Alejo, and Hapinoy president Mark Ruiz during a ceremony held last Tuesday, June 11 at the Monde Nissin office in Pasig City.
Called “45@45 Sari-sari Store Enablement Program” in line with Monde Nissin’s 45th anniversary celebration, it aims to uplift sari-sari stores nationwide and expand livelihood opportunities. The two part pilot program will upskill 40 existing sari-sari stores through hands-on training, and also set up sari-sari stores as a sustainable source of income. The ground up stores will be provided to five agricultural cooperatives and community organizations in key areas in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Negros Region, and Davao Region identified by Monde Nissin.
“Sari-sari stores bridge gaps, ensuring that our products are readily available at the neighborhood level. Meanwhile, the agricultural sector plays a crucial role in producing the raw materials that make our products what they are today,” said Misa.
She added that the enablement program falls in line with the company’s long-term advocacy of extending entrepreneurial opportunities and financial support to sari-sari store owners with Hapinoy as their partner organization.
“What is very exciting and unique about [the program] is the integration on the other side, which is helping out five community-based organizations or suppliers as part of [Monde Nissin’s] inclusive chain. This project is something end-to-end,” shared Ruiz.
Hapinoy will roll out learning modules on business and financial management called “Hapiswkela” and offer packages that include inventory grants, store merchandise, and marketing materials to beneficiary sari-sari stores. As part of the 45@45 program, Hapinoy will also open the five Ground-Up stores as avenues for new business ventures for selected multi-purpose agricultural cooperatives.
Under the Tulong Sulong campaign, Monde Nissin’s sari-sari store enablement program is a step towards the company’s North Star advocacy of inclusive growth. Monde Nissin plans to launch more programs aimed at its ambition of improving the well-being of people and the planet through sustainable solutions for food security.
