San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has rolled out a P500 million financial assistance program for fisherfolk families in Rosario, Tanza, Naic, and Ternate in Cavite as part of its commitment to managing its social and environmental impact on communities consistent with strict performance standards set by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for its New Manila International Airport (NMIA) project.
The ‘Handog Tulong Pinansyal Para sa Mangingisda’ initiative, launched by San Miguel Aerocity Inc. (SMAI), will benefit some 5,000 fisherfolk families that will each receive a monthly financial assistance of P5,000 until the company’s operation in the area is completed by 2024.
Eligible fisherfolk were identified based on third-party surveys and on a selection and validation process by local officials and leaders of local fishermen’s groups.
This comes after the company’s recent program providing monthly food supply assistance to over 8,000 families across all four towns to help them cope with rising food prices.
On top of this, SMAI has also tapped experts to help implement programs that will minimize its impact on the environment —including site rehabilitation and restoration —and further embed sustainability solutions to its operation in the area.
Meanwhile, SMAI continues to provide livelihood programs for fisherfolk organizations as part of its Social Development Management Program (SDMP). This include garment production and soap-making, scholarships for children of fisherfolk, and construction-based training in cooperation with the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA).
Olivia Bautista, president of local fisherfolk organization KAMMALIG, said that SMAI has been responding to their concerns, and expressed gratitude to the company particularly in addressing decreased fish catch and the provision of safety equipment for affected fishermen.
