Insider Spotlight
The big picture
Food security in Asia increasingly hinges on inclusive, market-driven systems that integrate smallholder farmers into formal value chains. Aboitiz Foods is positioning its growth strategy around this need, anchored on its purpose of sustainably feeding Asia’s growth from mill to meal.
Project Silk in focus
A cornerstone of this strategy is Project Silk, an inclusive sourcing program supporting yellow corn farmers in the Philippines for eight years.
Implemented through Pilmico Foods Corp. in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, local government units, and Aboitiz Foundation, the initiative has supported 2,835 farmers and generated $818,703.55 in corn sales from 2017 to 2025.
“Our goal is to empower communities across Asia to build resilient, inclusive food systems. Through Project Silk, we help corn farmers in the Philippines become better entrepreneurs so they can build viable and competitive enterprises,” Joeben Gamatero, Aboitiz Foods vice president for brand and reputation management and agribusiness marketing, said in a press statement on Feb. 25, 2026.
“When farmers build stronger businesses, the entire food value chain grows stronger with them,” he added.
Why it matters
Yellow corn is a critical input for the livestock sector, making stable supply and pricing essential to broader food security.
Through direct sourcing from cooperatives, Pilmico provides farmers with assured market access, helping reduce price volatility and uncertainty. Combined with training in bookkeeping, financial management, and governance, the program has driven a 1,500 percent increase in cooperative revenues.
“We learned so much, especially in accounting, bookkeeping, financial statements, and budgeting,” said cooperative leader Evangeline Frasco. “We now manage our farms like real businesses.”
On the ground
Investments in post-harvest facilities have helped farmers meet industry standards and command better prices.
“This facility gives our farmers a secure market and a secure livelihood,” said Iligan City Agriculturist Mary Ann Beley.
Regional momentum
Beyond the Philippines, Aboitiz Foods is rolling out parallel initiatives across Asia.
In Brunei, Project Synergea delivers hands-on poultry education. In China and Vietnam, Project EduCare expands access to quality education. In Malaysia and China, Project ROOTS advances environmental restoration.
“These efforts reflect how Aboitiz Foods integrates social responsibility and sustainability into its regional operations, creating shared value that extends beyond individual projects or markets,” Gamatero said.
“As we expand our business across the region, we will keep creating pathways toward shared progress and nourishing a more sustainable food future together with the communities.” —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
