As 2023 unfolds, the Pitmaster Foundation expressed its commitment to increasing livelihood assistance for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) relying on the on-ground cockfighting industry. This follows a difficult two years for these businesses due to the strict health quarantine measures and the suspension of eSabong.
Lucky 8 Star Quest, Pitmaster Foundation’s biggest donor, launched eSabong during the lockdown to provide employment and small business opportunities for those who lost their sources of income due to COVID-19. But since the online platform remains suspended, the organization hopes to revitalize on-ground cockfighting now that the economy has opened up to jumpstart the MSMEs near the arenas.
“We exist for others,” said Atty. Carol Cruz, Pitmaster Foundation Executive Director. “After the challenges that the industry faced, we are looking forward to supporting these MSMEs and helping them bounce back and thrive in 2023.”
With its strong nation-building culture, the charity organization, chaired by businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, also showed unyielding dedication to helping the country address health and climate crises and improve poverty alleviation.
The Foundation has made a significant impact on the lives of many through various initiatives since 2020. It has donated almost P1 billion ($17.2 million) in assistance for dialysis and COVID-19, including 31,000 doses of vaccines, 161 ambulances to support healthcare for remote communities, salaries for frontline staff, vaccine freezers, healthcare kits, COVID-19 medications, 272,000 antigen test kits, and face masks.
Pitmaster has, likewise, strategically positioned its resources to reduce the impact of disasters through relief operations by providing food to affected communities. In October 2022, it sponsored a Disaster and Climate Emergency Policy Forum, which focused on the role of the private sector in addressing the climate crisis.
Through its #PitmasterGoesGreen initiatives to forward climate change mitigation efforts, the group spearheaded mangrove and tree planting activities in Albay and supported environmental rehabilitation in Siniloan, Laguna and Real, Quezon.
As a result, the Foundation received four recognitions at the Asia Awards, including the “Asia’s NGO (Non-Governmental Organizations) Leadership Award,” “Asia’s Best Corporate Social Responsibility Practices,” “Asia Award for Most Promising Service in NGO,” and “Asia’s Outstanding Executive Director Award” for Atty. Cruz. It also won bronze for the “Most Valuable Non-Profit Response” under the COVID-19 Response Category at the 2022 Stevie Awards.
With its commitment to helping those in need and its strong track record of doing good, the Pitmaster Foundation is poised to make another significant impact on the communities in 2023.
