UFI, SIFI, and partners bring relief to sugar sector workers

Typhoon Ursula wreaked havoc on Pres. Roxas, Capiz on Christmas morning. One month after the devastation, hundreds are still suffering from its aftermath especially those in the sugar cane industry.

Seeing the distress of sugarcane farmers, Capiz Sugar Central Inc. with Sugar Industry Foundation Inc. (SIFI) in coordination with the Municipality of President Roxas, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Gerry Roxas Foundation, Uygongco Foundation Inc. and other organizations welcomed 500 to 700 sugar workers and their dependents to a Medical-Dental Mission on January 30, 2020, at the President Roxas Civic Center.

This is the sugar industry’s initiative to help the sugar mill and farmers in Capiz affected by Typhoon Ursula.

The beneficiaries of this activity were workers from Capiz Sugar Central Inc, Capiz Agri Farm Corporation, Roxas Agri Farm Corporation, Capiz Iloilo Sugar Planters Association Inc., Pilar Sugar Planters Association Inc., and Capiz First Federation United Cooperative Inc.

The Medical-Dental Mission included free consultation, tooth extraction, blood pressure reading, weight taking and giving of medicines.

The activity was held in partnership with the Municipality of Pres. Roxas headed by Mayor Receliste L. Escolin and the Rural Health Unit, the Provincial Health Office-Dental Unit, and the Office of Provincial Governor Esteban “Evan” Contreras.

The Sugar Industry Foundation Inc., spearheaded by its President and COO, Ms. Edith Villanueva, gave free medicines and hygiene kits.

Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) sponsored 250 persons for a free X-ray. The Gerry Roxas Foundation, under the leadership of Ms. Agnes Villaruz, gave rice and emergency kits. They also gave school supplies to 500 children in Aranguel Elementary School, Marita Elementary School, and Pres. Roxas East Elementary School.

Capiz Sugar Central Inc. is under the La Filipina Uy Gongco Group of Companies, which is one of the main sources of livelihood for sugar cane workers in Capiz. Through their initiative, they were able to have a successful collaboration and partnership with top contributors in the sugar industry to help those who are in need.

Engr. Terence Uygongco, President and CEO of Capiz Sugar Central Inc. shared, “We are very fortunate that the different organizations in the sugar industry have made the Municipality of Lutod Lutod (Pres. Roxas) their area of relief and medical operations after the onslaught of Typhoon Ursula. Farmers and sugar mill workers were greatly affected and every effort given will certainly help the families get up and move on again.

Thank you for everyone who worked and made this event very possible especially for Ms. Edith Villanueva of SIFI. Capiz Sugar Central is truly grateful.”