Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF) announced that the Citi Foundation, through CAF America, has awarded the organization a $500,000 grant for a food security and nutrition project that will be piloted through NWTF’s “Balik Panguma Initiative”.
In a press release, the group said that for almost a decade, NWTF, through its Micro-Agri project and Community Loans, provided support to farmers with loan products that will help them with their financial needs and that the Balik Panguma Initiative aims to enable access to a stable food supply.
“This initiative hopes to further the growth of agriculture-related industries through responsible entrepreneurship, livelihood opportunities, economic productivity, and community development. We aim to ensure that Dungganon farmers are equally equipped with efficient agricultural practices, ensuring that these farmers can consistently increase their income and eventually build better tomorrows for themselves, their families, and the greater community,” the news release from NWTF said.
It added that Citi Philippines CEO Paul Favila has extended his congratulations to Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation and World Vision Development Foundation and shared his excitement to see the initiatives for Filipino farmers come to life.
“Through knowledge and skills sharing, these farmers will be better able to grow more sustainable businesses and make a positive impact on their communities. Initiatives like the Global Innovation Challenge take us a step closer to making progress happen. We hope to assist more organizations move their meaningful and impactful causes forward in future Global Innovation Challenges,” Favila said.
“We are grateful for the partnership with Citi Foundation,” said Suzzette Gaston, NWTF Executive Director.
“The pandemic has taught us many lessons, one of which is that health is important and that the quality of food we have on our table is crucial to maintaining optimal health. With “The Balik Panguma” initiative, we strive to help our clients navigate the unpredictable seasons by maximizing the agricultural resources and opportunities available to them to ensure that there is enough food for our children,” Gaston added.
NWTF aspires to build resilient communities by empowering individuals and associations through capacity-building and awareness campaigns. ||
