In line with its commitment to bring water access to underserved communities, Coca-Cola Philippines will allocate 10 ram pump projects under its Agos Program annually to Special Areas for Agricultural Development to be identified by the Department of Agriculture.
A memorandum of agreement was signed for the purpose by Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol and Coca-Cola Philippines vice president for Public Affairs and Communications lawyer Adel Tamano.
The agreement highlights Coca-Cola’s support to bring water access to 10 SAAD communities, which is aligned with the 10-point socioeconomic agenda of the Duterte administration. One of these is the promotion of rural value chain development to increase agricultural and rural enterprise productivity and rural tourism.
“It is the thrust of Coca-Cola to support the development of these communities together with the Department of Agriculture,” said Tamano. “This project will hopefully contribute in providing water access to the beneficiary communities and help in the government’s campaign to develop more small-scale farmers in the countryside.”
More than a basic commodity, Tamano said water access “for these people will bring them hope to dream of a better future for their families and children.”
Coca-Cola Philippines launched the Agos Program in 2011, aiming to bring back to nature and the communities every drop of water used in the production of its beverages.
One of its projects is the Agos ram pump, a simple technology that elevates water without the need for electricity. The technology harnesses the momentum of naturally-flowing water into reservoirs, which in turn supplies water into common tap stands near households. The Agos Program has benefitted 129 water-deprived communities.
Moreover, Coca-Cola Philippines is also implementing sustainability programs focused on women economic empowerment through the 5by20 Sari-sari Store Training and Access to Resources or STAR Program and for well-being through the Minute Maid Nurisha supplemental program.
The Department of Agriculture aims to develop small farming communities by providing financial and technical assistance that will boost productivity. Through the SAAD, the DA aims to focus development in provinces with high poverty incidences such as Apayao, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga del Norte, Sarangani, North Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Lanao del Sur.
The Coca-Cola System in the Philippines has made several economic investments in the country – with 19 bottling facilities and over 10,000 employees.