MANILA – Cargill was honored for their Outstanding CSR Project at the 2024 CSR Expo, hosted by the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) on July 5 at Glorietta Activity Center. The Agri-Sagana Project in partnership with Asia Society for Social Improvements and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST), Inc. received the prestigious Medal of Recognition under the Enterprise and Livelihoods Development category.
The CSR Medal of Recognition Awards, a flagship program of the LCF, celebrates organizations for outstanding CSR contributions and practices. Cargill’s recognition underscores its commitment to building resilient communities and contributing to food security around the world, including the Philippines.
Mija Cachapero, Country President of Cargill Philippines, expressed appreciation for the award, saying, “This recognition is a testament to our steadfast commitment to empower corn farmers and cooperatives in Cagayan Valley and the Philippines. As a sustainable partner, we believe that providing market access and enriching local communities is the way towards a more inclusive and resilient food system. We continue to strive to extend this impact across the country for a more sustainable future for all Filipinos.”
The Agri-Sagana Project, meaning “bountiful,” aims to upskill 15,000 farmers and empower 15 corn cooperatives to engage in corn consolidation and trading. Additionally, five of the cooperatives’ post-harvest facilities have begun transitioning their operations from oil power to solar power, promoting sustainability. As a result of ongoing accreditation and supplier certification, market access for corn in Region II has expanded, leading to increased income for the registered cooperatives and corn farmers by 10% and 20% respectively.
LCF’s Executive Director, Celine A. Santillan, on the award: “LCF is proud to spotlight corporations’ and corporate foundations’ initiatives through the Medal of Recognition, and this year, one of them is the Agri-Sagana Project. We hope that through piloting this awards program, we are able to draw attention, not just to Cargill’s CSR efforts, but to all who have joined, and that next year we will have more entries. The aim is to pave the way for all good CSR projects or programs to be recognized so that others are inspired and that corporations and other stakeholders learn and collaborate for better impact.”
In addition to the Medal of Recognition, Cargill’s RISE Coco Project in partnership with CARE Philippines was named a finalist under the Disaster Resilience category, acknowledging its role in rehabilitating coconut farming livelihoods in Bohol. These achievements reflect the company’s commitment to nation-building, building on its 76-year legacy of nourishing the world in a safe and sustainable way.
