Stories

San Miguel Foods (SMF) strengthened its commitment to marine biodiversity conservation with the latest deployment of its Coral Rescue Program in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas—home to the company’s San Miguel Mills flour milling plant, B-MEG feedmill, and Golden Bay Grain Terminal. Last month, nine licensed divers transplanted 150 new coral fragments under the guidance of a marine biologist. This latest activity builds on SMF’s three-year effort to restore a once-barren stretch of seafloor into a growing, life-sustaining reef. A three-year journey of marine restoration SMF launched the Coral Rescue Program in 2022, planting 110 initial coral fragments that achieved an 80% survival rate. This early success encouraged the return of over 610 individual reef fish from 31 species, showing clear signs of ecological recovery. The program expanded further in 2024 with 215 additional coral fragments planted by employee volunteers and partner divers. These efforts grew the rehabilitated reef area to over 570 square meters and attracted 35 fish species from 17 families, along with reef-associated organisms such as sea stars, tunicates, corallimorpharians, feather stars, anemones, and sea cucumbers. 2025 Results: More life, more color, more growth With the most recent coral rescue dive, the reef continues to flourish. The site now supports: 34 fish species More than 2,000 individual reef fish Over 100 kg of total fish biomass A growing community of reef-associated invertebrates These numbers highlight a thriving marine habitat and reflect the long-term impact of consistent, science-based reef restoration. Powered by passionate volunteers One of the program’s staunch advocates is an employee who is a licensed diver, and who is present every year and volunteers his time, skills, and passion for environmental stewardship. Sid Buenaflor, a B-MEG sales account specialist, says, “It’s fulfilling to see life slowly returning to an area that used to be bare. Knowing our small actions can help restore balance to the ocean is incredibly rewarding.”  Part of SMF’s Handog Kalikasan advocacy The Coral Rescue Program is implemented under Handog Kalikasan, one of the pillars of San Miguel Foods’ flagship CSR program, Handog. This program also supports initiatives in health (Kalusugan), education (Karunungan), and community development (Komunidad). Through Handog Kalikasan, San Miguel Foods continues to invest in long-term environmental protection, helping safeguard the natural ecosystems that sustain local communities.

San Miguel Foods has successfully completed Phase 2 of its expanded early childhood nutrition program, “Happy si Mommy, Malusog si Baby: 1,000 Babies for the First 1,000 Days,” with 1,002 mothers and their infants now receiving sustained nutrition and wellness support during the crucial first two years of life. Phase 2 focuses on nutrition supplementation and emotional wellness for new mothers and infants aged six months and above. In collaboration with San Miguel Foundation and with the support of Childfam Possibilities Psychosocial Services and local government units, participating families received a year-long supply of Mingo Meals—a nutrient-rich complementary food made of rice, mongo, and malunggay—along with practical education on self-care, stress management, post-partum recovery, and positive parenting. To strengthen community health systems, 176 barangay health workers were trained to cascade the above topics at the barangay level. Meanwhile, 155 San Miguel Foods employee-volunteers facilitated small-group conversations with mothers across the country, creating safe and supportive spaces for sharing experiences, navigating the challenges of early motherhood, and building confidence in caring for their children. As Phase 2 concluded, 95% of monitored babies registered normal height and weight—an encouraging indicator of the program’s sustained impact on early childhood growth. Now in its second year of nationwide implementation, the program continues to demonstrate strong community engagement, improved maternal wellness, and healthier growth outcomes for infants enrolled since pregnancy during Phase 1. Through the initiative, San Miguel Foods underscores its commitment to supporting mothers not only through proper nutrition, but also through emotional and mental well-being—recognizing that holistic care during the first 1,000 days plays a critical role in shaping lifelong health outcomes for both mother and child, and in creating lasting impact in the communities it serves. Phase 3 of the program will commence next year, focusing on sustained nutrition support and early learning activities for toddlers. With “Happy si Mommy, Malusog si Baby,” San Miguel Foods continues to advance its mission of nourishing lives, empowering caregivers, and helping build a healthier future for Filipino families.

San Miguel Foods, in partnership with San Miguel Foundation has marked its 6th batch of scholars in its SEED scholarship program — Gawad Kalinga’s School for Experiential Education Development (SEED) three-month training program. With this milestone, the program has now produced 117 SEED graduate scholars, each carrying forward a story of resilience, hope, and purpose. In a country rich in agricultural resources yet facing declining participation of youth in farming, San Miguel Foods is helping redefine what agriculture can mean for the next generation. As many young Filipinos turn away from the farm, the company is taking a different view: that the future of agriculture begins with empowering young people, especially those with limited access to formal education but a strong determination to succeed. Through this program, agriculture is presented not just as a means of livelihood, but a pathway to dignity, meaningful work, and long-term food security, contributing to nation-building one young farmer at a time. Every year, San Miguel Foods sponsors 20 youth scholars to undergo an intensive, three-month agri-entrepreneurship training under SEED Philippines — a course that grants a TESDA National Certificate II, recognized by employers and meeting national competency standards. The program goes beyond technical training, strengthening character and values through workshops, permaculture-based farming activities, solidarity assemblies, bayanihan sessions, and community outreach, ensuring scholars graduate not only with skills, but the right mindset for community-driven development.

The festive season is upon us—twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. As we embrace the joy of giving, there’s one gift that never fails to warm hearts and bring people together: a truly exceptional cup of coffee. This Christmas, elevate your gift-giving with OldTown White Coffee, a brew that’s both new to the Filipino palate and deeply rooted in tradition. Whether it’s for a loved one, a colleague, or your own quiet holiday moments, OldTown White Coffee is a thoughtful, flavorful way to celebrate the season.

In celebration of World Bread Day this October, San Miguel Mills, Inc. (SMMI), the flour business of San Miguel Foods, launched a flagship community initiative aimed at empowering women through baking. As part of the program, 40 women—20 from Tabangao, Batangas and 20 from Tondo, Manila—were trained in baking beloved Filipino staples such as pandesal, puto, and bibingka. These workshops not only taught baking techniques but also provided practical business skills to help participants start their own small-scale baking ventures, promoting economic independence and community resilience. “This program is more than just about bread—it’s about rising together,” said Antonina Sio, General Manager of SMMI. “By teaching these women how to bake and sell Filipino favorites, we’re helping them build sustainable livelihoods and take pride in what they can create.” This initiative reflects SMMI’s commitment to inclusive growth and nation-building through food. It highlights the company’s belief in the transformative power of bread—not just as nourishment, but as a tool for opportunity. “World Bread Day reminds us of the simple yet profound impact of food,” said Emmanuel Macalalag, President of San Miguel Foods. “Through these workshops, we’re investing in people—giving them the means to provide for their families and contribute meaningfully to their communities.” The workshops were held in partnership with Barangay Aplaya in Tabangao and San Miguel Corporation’s Better World Tondo in Manila. SMMI provided flour, baking equipment, and expert instruction. Participants also received guidance on pricing, packaging, and selling their products in local markets. SMMI encourages everyone to support local bakers and recognize the vital role bread plays in shaping lives and communities.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recognized San Miguel Foods, Inc. (SMFI) as a key private sector partner in the Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) program during its awarding ceremony held last June 19. The PAHP is a government-led initiative that aims to address hunger, food insecurity, and rural poverty by connecting agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and community-based organizations with institutional buyers. These partnerships not only provide stable markets for farmers but also promote inclusive, grassroots-led economic development in rural communities. A long-time supporter of farmer upliftment, San Miguel Foods contributes to the PAHP through its Cassava Assembler Program, a pioneering effort that integrates smallholder farmers, many of whom are DAR beneficiaries, into San Miguel’s value chain. By working with farmer groups and cooperatives, SMFI guarantees a reliable market for their cassava harvests, provides technical support, and fosters long-term growth and income stability. This program has helped transform rural livelihoods by making agriculture more profitable and sustainable, while also ensuring a steady supply of locally sourced cassava to support national food and feed security. The model, praised by both government and industry, reflects San Miguel Foods’ broader mission to build a more food-secure and inclusive Philippines. “Our commitment goes beyond buying from farmers. It’s about creating real opportunities so they can thrive. When we uplift our farmers, we uplift communities. And when we uplift communities, we build a stronger nation,” said San Miguel Foods President Noli Macalalag. This recognition further strengthens SMFI’s resolve to support inclusive agribusiness models that empower Filipino farmers, improve rural livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

San Miguel Foods, Inc. was recently recognized with a Special Citation for Innovation by the Jollibee Group during the 2025 Supplier Summit Awards held in May at the Shangri-La The Fort, Bonifacio Global City.  The award underscores SMFI’s outstanding commitment to innovation and its dedication to delivering high-quality, forward-thinking solutions that support the Jollibee Group’s mission of providing great-tasting food and joyful dining experiences. SMFI has worked closely with Jollibee on continuous product enhancements, responded swiftly to process improvement needs, and actively participated in several trial runs to ensure excellence at every stage. Presented by Jollibee Group Chief Procurement Officer Kaustubh Wadekar, the award also reflects the strong, collaborative partnership between San Miguel Foods and the Jollibee Group—founded on shared values of excellence, customer-centricity, and continuous improvement. “This recognition from one of the country’s most admired food companies affirms our commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Tins Mandap, foodservice area sales manager for SMFI. “We are proud to contribute to Jollibee Group’s journey in delivering delightful customer experiences and raising the bar for food quality in the industry.” With the theme “Future-ready, strengthening partnerships, powering possibilities”, the Jollibee Group Supplier Summit Awards celebrates the vital role of suppliers and partners in supporting the company’s growth and global aspirations. San Miguel Foods' recognition underscores its position as a trusted and forward-thinking partner in the food industry.

San Miguel Foods, Inc. was honored with three major awards from McDonald’s Philippines, recognizing its commitment to quality, reliability, and outstanding performance as a key supplier. The company received the Quality Excellence Award during ceremonies held in April at the New World Makati Hotel. SMFI was also named Best Performing Supplier for the Protein–Poultry Category and given the Assured Supply Award (third year in a row) at the 2025 McDonald’s Suppliers General Assembly, themed "Scaling Excellence, Winning Together Through Flawless Execution." The awards were presented by McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO Kenneth Yang and AVP for Supply Chain Management Andre Christopher Villareal. These recognitions underscore San Miguel Foods’ dedication to delivering high-quality products, ensuring supply consistency, and contributing to the success of McDonald’s operations in the Philippines. 

Photo from DOLE CALABARZON