Farmer Ligaya Mira owns a modest yet vibrant 5,000-square-meter plot where she cultivates iceberg, red and romaine lettuce, tomatoes, spring onions and finger peppers.
Since starting her farm in 2006 on just 2,500 square meters, Mira has grown her business with dedication and support from the Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative and the Jollibee Group Foundation’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP).
“Through the Lamac Cooperative, I have access to low-interest loans, technical training and insurance. Most loans are distributed as farm inputs, from which I learned to plan, budget, and focus on sustainable farming practices,” she said.
As a third-generation farmer, Mira proudly carries on her family’s legacy with the help of her husband and three children, one of whom has already established her own small farm.
As part of the FEP, Mira and her fellow farmers benefit from a stable market for their produce, where their production goes straight to Jollibee Foods through the partnership between the JGP and the LMPC.
About 80 percent of Mira’s harvest goes to the cooperative which are delivered to Jollibee Foods Corp.’s stores through the FEP program. The remaining 20 percent are sold in the local market.
The FEP program has empowered her to expand the farm, build a family home and purchase farm vehicles as well as invest in small businesses such as carwash joints and a telco load outlet.
“Thanks to the cooperative, I can confidently say that my farm will continue to grow, and I can provide for my family. I’m proud to carry on my parents’ legacy and help my children build their futures in farming,” Mira said as she reflected on her journey.
Story of determination
Catalino “Tal” Panaginip manages a 2,500-square-meter farm. He grew up in a farm, despite the early demise of his parents when he was five years old.
A cooperative member for 17 years, Tal cultivates chilies, tomatoes, cabbage, lettuce and spring onions.
Panaginip emphasized how vital the co-op’s financial assistance is, along with technical training, particularly weather forecasts that guide his planting schedule and protect his crops.
“With the Jollibee Group’s Weather Information Notification System, I can now make better decisions about when to plant and harvest. This technology helps me protect my crops and ensure a successful yield,” he said.
Through his hard work and the support of the Lamac Cooperative, Panaginip has built a better life for his five children, buying a house and a vehicle for his farm.
Fostering cooperation
Ubod Farm owner Junry Ubod manages a 1,500-square-meter farm and has been an active cooperative member for nine years.
Growing lettuce, spring onions, tomatoes and bitter gourd, Junry plays a crucial role within his cluster as post-harvest coordinator.
In this position, he oversees the harvest, calculates crop pricing and ensures his cluster meets its commitment to institutional buyers like Jollibee.
“Each quarter, I collaborate with other members on a supply plan, seeing to it that production meets demand,” he said. His commitment and accountability have led to more stability and growth for his family.
Holistic support
Through the Farmer Entrepreneurship Program, the JGF brings together partners from diverse sectors to support smallholder farmers like Mira, Panaginip and Ubod.
“The FEP transforms smallholder farmers from producers to agro-entrepreneurs capable of supplying corporate markets like the Jollibee Group. This transformation is made possible by guiding farmers at every stage of their agro-entrepreneurship journey, leading to higher and more stable incomes,” said JGF partnerships and operations director LA Cruzat.
From 60,000 kilograms of vegetables in 2009, FEP farmer groups delivered 12 million kilos to date to Jollibee Group commissary amounting to more than P600 million. The Jollibee Group sources from 30 farmer groups from 45 cities and municipalities in 15 provinces.
Farming community
By sharing their experiences, Mira, Panaginip and Ubod motivate other farmers to adopt innovation, embrace sustainable practices and strive for excellence.
Their achievements demonstrate the transformative impact of the FEP and LMPC on smallholder farmers like them and, in part, on the country’s supply chain.
