20 February 2025, Sumilao and Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. In a continuous effort to support/uplift partner communities, create shared value and promote inclusive growth, Dole Philippines, Inc. (Stanfilco Division) and Kasilak Development Foundation, Inc. successfully conducted a two-day CSR activities focused on health, livelihood and labor empowerment held in the Municipalities of Sumilao and Impasug-ong Bukidnon on February 19-20, 2025.
Supporting Mobility and Health for Vulnerable Sectors
On February 19, 2025, RHU Sumilao received assorted medical supplies, hand soaps and service wheelchairs (3 units). The wheelchair units will serve as service wheelchairs of the RHU to accommodate patients during their consultations and admission. For a long time, the RHU only has one service wheelchair and has been needing repair/replacement due to wear and tear. Dr. Elv Nhiel D. Salo expressed his gratitude for the support of mobility and health provided to their facility. He also appreciated the hand soaps as these will be very helpful in their advocacy in promoting hygiene and preventive health measures. The in-kind donations will be used during their weekly community outreach activities. Vice Mayor George Jeremy B. Baula and Municipal Councilor Leila Noval both expressed the same gratitude to the Free Wheelchair Mission (FWM), MAP International, Clean the World, Children International, Dole-Stanfilco and Kasilak for the support that they provided. They have emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnerships with other stakeholders to help them in their endeavors.
On February 20, 2025, LGU Impasug-ong also received assorted medical supplies, hand soaps and 15 wheelchair units. The beneficiaries of the 15 units were residents from Impasug-ong who have mobility impairments as identified and endorsed by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office. The wheelchair units seek to aid the beneficiaries in their mobility, help regain their independence and improve their quality of life together with their families/caretakers.
During the turnover ceremony, smiles, tears of joy and words of appreciation/thanks were the common sights and words among the beneficiaries, relatives/caretakers and LGU partners present during the activity. P-Jay Sitoy was all smiles and in teary eyes while transferring from his old/damaged wheelchair to the new one. Ms. Shiela Mae Legaspi (daughter of the beneficiary), shed tears during her message as their father will now have the ease of mobility which he has been longing to have. Mayor Anthony A. Uy was also very grateful to Dole-Stanfilco and Kasilak for their continuous support to their municipality. For many years, Dole-Stanfilco has not only provided employment opportunities to the community but also facilitated access to basic social services (health, education, nutrition, water system, etc.) through Kasilak. Dra. Grace Ann Tamonan, Head of the Municipal Health Office, expressed the same as the in-kind donations will truly help the residents of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.
On the part of Dole-Stanfilco and Kasilak, Mr. Wilfred Oville, Jr., CSR/Employee Engagement Manager of Dole-Stanfilco and a BOT/MANCOM member of Kasilak, highlighted the importance of promoting/ creating shared value where the Company operates. Dole-Stanfilco through Kasilak has been supportive of the development priorities/needs of the LGU with the support on medical supplies, wheelchairs for mobility, school building and school supplies, water system/Banga Pinoy, Tree Park adoption, etc. Atty. Dinah Rose C. Bala, Legal Counsel of Dole-Stanfilco and also a BOT/MANCOM member of Kasilak, hoped that “these supplies with the tangible difference will improve the quality of life for many. Our commitment to Impasug-ong extends far beyond today’s gesture and Dole is also deeply invested in the ongoing well-being and prosperity of the community. So we are not just partners in business but in growth, in health and shared vision for a better tomorrow. So, as we continue to work together, we will look for new ways to support this community whether it be future donations, maybe employment opportunities or other initiatives that make a difference.” Atty. Bala thanked the Mayor and LGU Impasug-ong for accepting Dole-Stanfilco and Kasilak.
Since 2018, more than 300 wheelchair units and about five 40-footer containers of various medical supplies have been donated/distributed to various individuals and health facilities/institutions across Mindanao and more than 10,000 boxes of hand soaps (200 pieces/box) also benefiting schools, health facilities/institutions, government offices, and other stakeholders in Mindanao.
Improving Livelihood Opportunities and Labor Empowerment
Part of the two-day activity, Dole-Stanfilco and Kasilak visited the Tourism Center and RIC Sumilao Bayong Weavers at Sumilao, Bukidnon. The RIC Sumilao Bayong Weavers have been supported/assisted by Dole-Stanfilco and Kasilak through the provision of discarded plastic straps from Dole’s farms and packaging facilities to create beautiful and innovative bags/bayongs. Their market now reached different places through Mrs. Azucena P. Villo.
Despite the challenges faced with the raw materials and logistics at some point, the Sumilao RIC Bayong Weavers, Dole-Stanfilco and Kasilak were able to resolve it and continue to produce more bayong bags that are now being enjoyed by tourists and other customers (nationwide and international). One of the weavers, Nancy Galarion, shared that this livelihood has provided them additional income especially during the pandemic. It also upgraded her skills to create various designs and increased the number of bags produced in a day.
Highlights of the 2-day activity also include the Turnover of Livelihood Assistance (under Koop Ayos Program) to two (2) labor unions: Dole Skyland La Fortuna Labor Union (DSLFLU) and Dole Skyland Impasug-ong Workers Union (DSIWU) and the monitoring/replanting activities for the adopted Tree Park area in Communal Ranch, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. The Koop Ayos initiative/livelihood assistance is aimed at empowering workers/unions by providing them with the necessary resources to expand their income-generating activities. By strengthening labor groups, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to economic inclusivity and sustainable development. Dole-Stanfilco and Kasilak management challenged the two unions to be transparent in their finances, ensure proper recording and reporting, maintain management’s credibility in operation, and to aspire to transform the unions into a cooperative in the future. Both unions were grateful for this support and will do their best to sustain it.
As part of ensuring higher survival rate of planted trees of the 1.4 hectares adopted Tree Park at Communal Ranch, key officers and staff of Dole Stanfilco, Kasilak and the two labor unions conducted onsite inspection and replanting activities.
The two-day CSR initiatives exemplified Dole-Stanfilco’s dedication to giving Sunshine for All through the support of Kasilak and its partners fostering positive change across different sectors. Through ongoing collaboration with stakeholders and beneficiaries, these efforts pave the way for sustainable progress and an improved quality of life for many.
Photo credits: Uy Turismo, Jalisa Galos, Genebirth Cuadrasal, Lindabler Sango
