In a country where some of the best business ideas are cooked over a single gas stove, Hanabishi Appliances is betting on the power of the humble karinderya.
Through its Kapartner sa Kabuhayan advocacy, the appliance brand is helping Filipino families turn everyday meals into sustainable livelihoods—one serving of ulam at a time.
At the heart of this effort is Project Karinderya, a program that blends assured income with community nourishment.
Participating karinderya owners are guaranteed earnings for one month, supported by a P60-per-day meal subsidy for 30 days. These meals are redeemed by vulnerable groups, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant and lactating mothers, and low-income families—ensuring that both sides of the counter benefit.
But Hanabishi’s approach goes beyond short-term relief. Project Karinderya places heavy emphasis on capability building, with beneficiaries receiving training in food safety, nutrition, and customer service. Health cadets and monitoring teams are also deployed, keeping food quality high and standards consistent. In short, the program doesn’t just help karinderyas survive—it helps them level up.
“At Hanabishi, we believe that sustainable progress is rooted in dignity,” said Cherish Ong-Chua, Vice President for Finance and Marketing. “Through Kapartner sa Kabuhayan, we support livelihood programs that enable people to thrive and build resilience.”
In the last quarter of 2025, Hanabishi renewed its partnership with K-COOP, expanding Project Karinderya’s reach in Rizal and Bulacan.
The initiative supported 30 karinderya owners and helped feed 600 individuals over a 30-day period. Starter kits—complete with essential Hanabishi appliances, from rice cookers to coffee makers—helped nanaypreneurs operate more efficiently from day one.
For Hanabishi, this is more than corporate social responsibility. It’s a business philosophy simmered in empathy, proving that when small kitchens are empowered, entire communities get fed—literally and economically.
