Sun Life Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines, has partnered with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines to establish two Food Shed Farming Enterprise projects in the province of Surigao del Norte. The collaboration aims to provide a sustainable source of food and economic resilience for low-income urban communities through food security and sustainable livelihoods.
The Food Shed Farming Enterprise projects will help secure food and livelihoods while mitigating food shortages in the community. Sustainable agriculture interventions will be used, along with the promotion of climate-resilient and sustainable production systems that minimize the impact of stresses contributing to limited food accessibility. By utilizing technology and sustainable agriculture practices, the initiative seeks to improve the resilience of the food supply chain in communities.
“With this collaboration, we hope to further improve the resiliency of the food supply of communities, especially with the threats that climate change poses to our food resources,” says Katherine Custodio, Executive Director of WWF.
Located in Del Carmen, Siargao Island, the Food Shed Farming Enterprise projects will be established in Brgy. Caub and Halian Island, benefiting 250 individuals through sustainable livelihoods and providing access to hyperlocal nutritious food for almost 2,000 locals. The projects will create economic opportunities for the locals through the promotion of sustainable farming practices, increasing their capacity to utilize technology, and providing training in climate-resilient and sustainable production systems.
“Through this collaboration with WWF, the Sun Life Foundation aims to provide food security, sustainable livelihoods, and climate-adaptive technologies for the locals of the island in an environmentally sustainable manner,” says Kristine Dianne Millete, Executive Director of the Sun Life Foundation. “It is our earnest hope that through this project, we can alleviate the effects of food shortages and help our farmers with alternative farming technologies that support food security even during times of pandemic,” Millete concluded.
The Sun Life Foundation is committed to uplifting communities, as evidenced by its other notable projects, such as the Sun Life Barangay Health Stations, which provide basic healthcare in remote areas. The partnership with WWF Philippines aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to sustainability, creating economic opportunities while also promoting environmentally sustainable practices.
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