Epson Philippines and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) the Philippines, in a joint effort to enhance food security in the country, have successfully completed their initiative in Tarlac City. This project, a testament to their shared commitment to sustainable development, has empowered local communities to cultivate their own food through sustainable agriculture-based livelihood.
Through the Food Shed Farming Enterprise Project launched in 2023, Epson and WWF-Philippines have established two food sheds in Barangay San Jose de Urquico and Barangay Batang-Batang. The food sheds provided 60 households (30 households in each barangay) with local access to over 70 kilos of fresh vegetables, from eggplants, chili, and squash.
The income generated from future harvests will be set aside as group savings. The Tarlac City Agriculture Office supports the project in the conduct of all activities. At the same time, the Barangay Captain and Kagawad Head of the Committee on Agriculture will oversee the operation and management of the food sheds beyond the project term.
“We are proud of our work in empowering local communities in Tarlac City with the help of WWF-Philippines,” said Epson Philippines President and Director Masako Kusama. “These initiatives, which enable communities to become more self-sufficient in their food supply through agriculture-based livelihoods, align with our overall vision of sustainability—that anyone, whether a business or a community, can operate sustainably, enabling both present and future generations to live securely.”
Apart from the construction of the foodsheds, 47 community members (20 from Brgy. San Jose de Urquico and 27 from Brgy. Batang-Batang) participated in training interventions in three areas, namely: 1) cultivating leafy and fruiting vegetables, 2) establishing effective financial management systems, and 3) value chain upgrading or market linkage.
Community members were educated on the value of saving and managing finances and the concept of Group Savings and Loans Associations. The project also implemented capacity development and technology transfer on food shed farming systems, including an introduction to food security; requirements for establishing food sheds; soil sterilizing, seed sowing, and composting; integrated pest and disease management; nutrient management; Kratky hydroponics production; essential poultry management and husbandry; and proper harvesting and handling.
Epson employees were also engaged in the initiative, as it offered volunteer opportunities. Over 180 employees participated in the construction of the food sheds or attended WWF-Philippines’ Panda Talks sessions. The Panda Talks discussed topics such as plastic pollution, waste management, energy efficiency, and conservation.
By having the means to grow fresh and local vegetables, communities have constant access to food at affordable prices and stable livelihoods. The initiative also enables intra-neighborhood access, which brings product prices down and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and food loss.
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