Small food businesses are getting a practical boost as Solane and the Philippine Association of Sari-Sari Store and Carinderia Owners (PASCO) roll out a nationwide program designed to cut operating costs, improve kitchen safety, and make micro enterprises more resilient.
The partnership has launched Sagip Karinderia, combining entrepreneurship training, LPG safety education, and discounted LPG supply for carinderias, eateries, food carts, and other small food businesses.
The program began on July 2 at Aquinas School in San Juan City, where about 100 PASCO members joined a capacity-building session. Regional caravans are planned across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, tapping PASCO’s nationwide network of more than 13,000 members.
For businesses operating on tight margins, the LPG discount offers more than a perk. It can help trim one of the recurring costs of preparing food, while ensuring operators have reliable fuel for daily operations.
“As one of the country’s trusted LPG brands, Solane recognizes that many small food businesses rely on LPG every day to keep their livelihoods running,” said Jeanne Empaynado, brand manager of Solane.
“Through Sagip Karinderia, we hope to provide not only access to reliable LPG solutions but also the knowledge and support that help these entrepreneurs operate more safely and efficiently,” she said.
The initiative also tackles a less visible cost of running a food business: disruption caused by kitchen accidents and unsafe LPG practices.
Participants receive training on kitchen safety, LPG emergency response, and choosing an LPG supplier based on reliability and cost efficiency.
The program supports PASCO’s broader push for entrepreneurship education, environmental stewardship, and economic empowerment and sustainability.
For thousands of small food operators, the formula is straightforward. Spend less where possible, operate more safely, and build enough resilience to keep the doors open when costs rise or business conditions turn difficult.
With food prices, labor expenses, and other overheads continuing to squeeze micro enterprises, initiatives that combine direct cost relief with practical business training could prove increasingly valuable.
Sagip Karinderia is ultimately aimed at helping small food businesses keep doing what they do best, serving affordable meals while building more sustainable livelihoods.
