Last October 1, 2022, Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corporation (Pilmico), together with Aboitiz Foundation Inc., donated 800 relief packs to areas affected by the recent Typhoon Karding. The storm hit the country last September 25 and 26, leaving Central Luzon severely devastated.
As most of Pilmico’s farms and facilities are also located in this area, the food and agribusiness arm of the Aboitiz Group responded to their communities immediately. Teams from the Meat, Feeds, and Farms divisions led the relief operations and packed the goods. Each bundle included essentials such as rice, water, canned goods, noodles, biscuits, and coffee packed in a reused katsa packaging from Pilmico flour.
A few team members from the company’s subcontract agency who were also affected by the typhoon also received relief packs from Pilmico.
“When Typhoon Karding hit, we knew we had to respond quickly, especially as the surrounding communities near our farms and facilities were badly affected. With the help of Pilmico’s volunteers who dedicated their time to helping pack relief goods, we were able to distribute them within the week. The value of teamwork was truly present during this time of need. We also extend our gratitude and appreciation to the members of the Philippine Army for assisting us in this endeavor,” said Joeben Gamatero, Pilmico Vice President of Brand, Marketing, and Corporate Social Responsibility.
The relief packs were distributed through the local government units of the Municipality of Talugtug and its provincial capitol in Nueva Ecija, Municipalities of Bamban, Capas, and Tarlac City, and the provincial capitol of Pangasinan with the assistance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Cristy Angeles, Mayor of Tarlac City, expressed her gratitude to Pilmico for their assistance. “Pilmico Foods Corporation – Your partner for growth at partner din natin sa pagtulong at pangangalaga sa kapakanan ng ating kapwa. Buong pusong pasasalamat po ang nais naming banggitin sa inyong ibinigay na food packs, our Good Samaritan!!! Maraming salamat din po Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sa paghatid ng donasyon!,” she said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What distinguishes corporate disaster relief from purely governmental response?
Corporate disaster relief adds private sector speed, specificity, and flexibility to the government’s typically larger but slower institutional response. Pilmico can reach its network communities — where it has direct contacts, addresses, and delivery relationships — within days of a disaster, often faster than centralized government relief queues reach individual barangays. The relief also tends to be targeted to communities and individuals that Pilmico knows directly rather than being distributed through broad geographic allocation formulas that may not reflect the actual distribution of need.
What typhoon affected Central Luzon and which communities did Pilmico target for assistance?
Pilmico mobilized relief assistance for communities in Central Luzon affected by a typhoon that caused significant damage across the region. The assistance was targeted at the most severely affected barangays in the provinces covered by Pilmico’s distribution and operational network — areas where Pilmico has established relationships with farmers, agri-dealers, and local government units that gave the company both knowledge of community needs and logistical access to deliver relief efficiently.
What did Pilmico donate and through which channels was the relief distributed?
Pilmico distributed food packs and other essential relief goods to affected families. Distribution was coordinated through Pilmico’s existing network of agri-dealers, local government partners, and community organizations in Central Luzon — the same network used for its normal business operations. This channel eliminated the need to build a temporary relief distribution infrastructure from scratch, significantly accelerating the time from commitment to delivery.
Why is Central Luzon a strategically important region for Pilmico’s CSR investments?
Central Luzon hosts Pilmico’s Tarlac operations — including its feedmill facility, Tarlac Meatmasters processing plant, and swine farm — making the region one of Pilmico’s most significant operational areas in the Philippines. The communities surrounding these facilities include Pilmico employees, contract farmers, agri-dealers, and the families that make up the local labor and customer base. When a typhoon strikes Central Luzon, it strikes Pilmico’s community in the most direct possible sense.
How does typhoon relief fit within Pilmico’s full CSR portfolio?
Typhoon relief is the crisis-response component of Pilmico’s CSR framework — distinct from but complementary to its livelihood development programs, educational investments, and environmental initiatives. Pilmico’s approach treats disaster relief not as an interruption of normal CSR but as one of several modes of community support that the company activates depending on circumstances. The same network and relationships used for livelihood kit distribution serve the rapid-response relief function when natural disasters strike.
