Monde Nissin Corporation has teamed up with the social enterprise Hapinoy for a year-long partnership to support sari-sari stores through educational opportunities and capital grants, as part of their Tulong Sulong livelihood program.
The Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Atty. Olive Misa, Monde Nissin’s Corporate and Government Affairs Head, Monde Nissin Public Affairs Head Marc Alejo, and Hapinoy president Mark Ruiz at a ceremony held on Tuesday, June 11, at the Monde Nissin office in Pasig City.
Called the “45@45 Sari-sari Store Enablement Program,” this initiative is part of Monde Nissin’s 45th-anniversary celebration. It aims to uplift sari-sari stores across the nation and create more livelihood opportunities. The pilot program has two parts: hands-on training for 40 existing sari-sari stores and the establishment of new stores to provide sustainable income. These new stores will be given to five agricultural cooperatives and community organizations in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, the Negros Region, and the Davao Region, as identified by Monde Nissin.
“Sari-sari stores are essential for making our products easily accessible at the neighborhood level. At the same time, the agricultural sector is vital for producing the raw materials that go into our products,” said Misa.
She added that the enablement program aligns with the company’s long-term goal of providing entrepreneurial opportunities and financial support to sari-sari store owners, with Hapinoy as their partner.
“What’s exciting and unique about this program is that it also supports five community-based organizations or suppliers as part of Monde Nissin’s inclusive chain. This project is truly end-to-end,” shared Ruiz.
Hapinoy will introduce learning modules on business and financial management, called “Hapiswkela,” and offer packages that include inventory grants, store merchandise, and marketing materials to beneficiary sari-sari stores. As part of the 45@45 program, Hapinoy will also launch the five new stores as venues for new business ventures for selected multi-purpose agricultural cooperatives.
Through the Tulong Sulong campaign, Monde Nissin’s sari-sari store enablement program is a step toward the company’s broader goal of inclusive growth. Monde Nissin plans to launch more initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of people and the planet through sustainable food security solutions.
