Identifying a problem, understanding the landscape, formulating a solution, and ensuring sustainability have been the niche of the Primer Group of Companies when it comes to socio-civic activities. Such was the case when it extended its reach over to Barangay Alas-As in the municipality of San Nicolas, Batangas.
The area is home to the world-famous Taal Volcano, making it a prime tourist destination in the country for its natural wonder. However, it is also among the least developed municipalities in the province based on the economy, government efficiency, and infrastructure.
Primer Group, through its Corporate Social Responsibility unit, joined forces with select members of the community along with private and local government groups in a project called “Saving Bombou: An Empowered Social Enterprise on Sustainable Tourism for the People of Taal”.
Social Enterprise Creation Participants with Representatives from Primer Group of Companies
In the said project, an ecotourism enterprise aimed at promoting livelihood opportunities for underprivileged communities while bolstering the environmental cause in Taal was established. Primer Group’s strategy was developed with the help of immersion activities, an 80-hour workshop, focus group sessions, and training sessions involving volunteers from the company and the community.
Volunteers and the community shared a meal during the program’s pilot phase
Basic mountaineering knowledge imparted with the community
Social enterprise creation session
Activities were held during the expectation setting meeting
Needs assessment
After the project roll out, statistics have been nothing but satisfactory. A number of targets saw over achievements such as the engagement during the creation of the social enterprise program, development of the solution, and social media campaign. The same can be said for the participation of locals in the entrepreneurial workshops and tapping local stakeholders for prototyping.
On March 14, 2019, participants took part in a graduation ceremony.
Graduation ceremony
Ian Mia, a tourist who participated in the project, expressed his experience and said, “We were able to come up with several strengths and points for improvements in the initiative. I’m pretty sure there will be more challenges for the local community along the way. I believe, however, that they can get through it. Besides, there is strength in numbers. This sustainability initiative reinforced my belief that with the participation of various stakeholders–in this case, non-profit organizations, local communities, and corporations–we can make social impact scalable and possible.“
Mylene Sandoval, a community member, lauded the invigorated spirit, thanks to the time spent together working towards a common goal.
“Thank you to Primer Group for helping everyone, including me. I never got to interact much with my neighbors before, but now, many of them have become my friends. You’ve given us a new source of income, and you’ve allowed me to join the training. Thank you very much,” Mylene exclaims.
Now, Barangay Alas-as residents enjoy a deeper sense of community after their collective effort in the entire program. The ecotourism social enterprise allowed for a more genuine appreciation of the municipality’s natural wonder, providing a significant boost in tourism and, in effect, more livelihood opportunities for those who reside within the area.
Program manager in Kristine Villaflor reflected on the activity while giving credit to the community members for their active participation.
“This is a big win for Barangay Alas-As and its residents. Everyone did not lack enthusiasm throughout the whole program and we’re now reaping the fruits of our labor. Furthermore, it’s always inspiring to be with a group of people as warm, proactive, and driven as our new friends from Taal. This is another worthwhile project under our Tubong Lokal program whose essence is all about empowering communities to develop and market their Sustainable Tourism livelihood products and services.”
Primer Group’s Chief-of-Staff Noel Duldulao stressed the company’s commitment to projects that empower and enhance areas like Barangay Alas-as.
“We are proud of our time-tested formula when it comes to our socio-civic activities — delivering relief and providing direction to communities through our sustainable projects. Primer Group of Companies thinks long term and this is in relation to one of our CSR’s ‘Caring Compass’ points gearing towards social entrepreneurship and job creations. We will be here for as long as there are communities that need our presence.”
For volunteer opportunities, contact Patrick Damasco at patrick.damasco@primergrp.com or at local 1208.
For more information about the project, contact Kristine Villaflor at kristine.villaflor@primergrp.com or at local 1208.
Empowering communities to develop and market their Sustainable Tourism livelihood products and services