More than one year after the conflict that displaced thousands of families in Marawi City, Internally Displaced People (IDPs) continue to face challenges in rebuilding not only their homes but also their livelihoods.
Pilmico, the USAid and the Provincial Livelihood Development Center (PLDC) of Lanao del Sur have partnered to implement a capacity-building program in response to the humanitarian crisis brought about by the Marawi conflict.
Last month, Marawi bakers and bakery owners went through a hands-on training workshop to enhance their skills on baking and bakery operations. Two batches for beginners and advanced bakers were conducted, each having 20 participants per class last September 17 to 19 and September 24 to 26.
At the end of the training, the participants were not only able to gain additional knowledge on the science of baking but they also got the chance to engage with other business owners as well.
Through this experience, the participants and the PLDC have opened the idea of creating a Marawi Baker’s Guild so they can further share ideas and knowledge on how to elevate their businesses and products.
“We in Pilmico, and our partners from the USAid and PLDC, are very happy and honored to be able to implement a program that gives Marawi beneficiaries the motivational support and tools they need to rebuild their livelihoods.” – Apol Castro, VP Corporate Strategy & Business Development
“We hope for the success of this project and that the knowledge and the skills they have acquired will give them the confidence to grow their business further.” – Florencio Sebandal, VP Flour Operations
Meanwhile, a training participant said:
“Hindi sapat ang mga salita para maipakita namin ang pasasalamat namin sa inyo. Ang laking tulong ang naibigay niyo sa amin lalong-lalo na ang iba sa amin na kaunti pa lang ang nalalaman sa baking.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this training initiative connect to Pilmico’s broader role in conflict-affected communities?
Pilmico’s involvement in training Marawi bakers is one component of a larger, sustained commitment by the Aboitiz Group to support post-siege recovery in Lanao del Sur and surrounding areas. By leveraging its core expertise in flour milling and baking technology as a vehicle for community reconstruction, Pilmico demonstrates that a private company’s specialized knowledge can serve as a direct livelihood recovery tool — not just through donations, but through skills transfer that creates independent, market-capable businesses.
What was the context and purpose of the Marawi baker training program?
More than a year after the Marawi conflict that displaced thousands of families, internally displaced people continued facing severe challenges in rebuilding both their homes and their livelihoods. The training program was a direct response to this humanitarian need — a multi-partner capacity-building initiative implemented by Pilmico, USAID, and the Provincial Livelihood Development Center (PLDC) of Lanao del Sur to help Marawi bakers and bakery owners rebuild their skills and businesses through hands-on practical training.
What was the structure and format of the training workshops?
The training was conducted in two separate batches in September 2018 — one for beginner bakers and one for advanced bakers, with 20 participants each. Workshops ran over three days: the first batch from September 17 to 19 and the second from September 24 to 26. Participants gained both theoretical knowledge of the science of baking and practical hands-on experience. The dual-track approach — separating beginners from more experienced bakers — allowed instruction to be calibrated to each group’s existing skill level rather than using a single generic curriculum for all.
What outcomes beyond baking skills did participants gain from the training?
Beyond technical baking knowledge, participants were given the opportunity to connect with fellow business owners — a form of peer network building that is often as valuable as the skill training itself. Crucially, the training and the connections it fostered sparked the idea of forming a Marawi Baker’s Guild. This peer organization would allow participants to share business knowledge, strategies, and product development insights on an ongoing basis, creating a community of practice rather than a one-time training event.
What did Pilmico leadership say about the purpose and significance of the program?
VP for Corporate Strategy and Business Development Apol Castro emphasized that Pilmico was honored to implement a program that gave beneficiaries both the motivational support and the practical tools they needed to rebuild their livelihoods. VP for Flour Operations Florencio Sebandal expressed hope that the knowledge and skills acquired would give participants the confidence to grow their businesses further. Both statements reflect a view of the partnership not as charity but as a concrete investment in economic recovery capacity.
