One of the problems sugarcane farm workers faces is the lack of access to essentials that can greatly boost their immune system especially during the pandemic. Sugar workers stay on the farm all day cultivating the land, planting, and doing heavy lifting and they need the energy to sustain their livelihood.
Due to the drastic changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, our sugar workers are very much aware that they must strengthen their immune system because their families rely solely on them.
To address this concern, the Sugar Industry Foundation’s Health Pillar conducted a total of 6 COVID-19 prevention distribution events in the months of June – September 2022. The kits consist of essentials like multi-vitamin syrup for children and multivitamin tablets for adults, paracetamol, alcohol, disposable face masks, and info graphic flyers about COVID-19 prevention tips in Hiligaynon and Filipino.
SIFI distributed a total of 940 hygiene kits that benefited more than 4,200 household members in distribution events in Visayas and Mindanao.
In Visayas, Project Officer for Health Norelyn De La Cruz conducted a total of 6 distribution events at Hacienda Colisap, Silay City with Associated Planters of Silay Saravia, Inc. (APSSI), Hacienda Paz, Brgy Canlandog, Murcia with C Prime Corporation, and at Sagay City with Sagay Central Incorporated.
De La Cruz together with Negros COFA conducted 3 distribution events at Binalbagan Transloading, Moises Padilla, and at Mabinay, Negros Oriental. Households in Pontevedra, Pilar, and President Roxas, Capiz were also given kits in partnership with Capiz Sugar Central, Inc.
In Mindanao, Project Officer Joseph Bryan Sermonia conducted 1 distribution event at Maramag, Bukidnon in partnership with Crystal Sugar Co., Inc. (CSCI), and another in Quezon, Bukidnon together with Busco Sugar Mill and SFB-MPC respectively.
Conducted as a temporary replacement for the SIFI medical – dental missions which were not allowed because of restrictions set by the Philippine Task Force against COVID-19, the Sugar Industry Foundation has assisted more than 14,000 households and more than 67,000 family members since the project started when the pandemic hit in 2020.
