San Miguel Corp. rolled out a P500-million financial assistance program for Cavite fisherfolk as part of its commitment to managing its social and environmental impact following strict performance standards set by the International Finance Corp. for its New Manila International Airport project.
The ‘Handog Tulong Pinansyal Para sa Mangingisda” financial assistance program, launched by its San Miguel Aerocity Inc., will benefit some 5,000 fisherfolk families, that will each receive a monthly financial assistance of P5,000 until the company’s operation in the area is completed by 2024.
Eligible fisherfolk were identified based on both third-party surveys and a selection and validation process by local officials and leaders of local fishermen’s groups.
This comes after the company’s recent program to provide monthly food supply assistance to over 8,000 families across all four towns, to help them cope with rising food prices.
SMAI has also tapped experts to help implement programs that will minimize its impact on the environment—including site rehabilitation and restoration—and further embed sustainability solutions to its operation in the area. Darwin G. Amojelar