Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18) — San Miguel Corporation has taken steps to boost food supply in Metro Manila through a farm-to-table marketplace at the heart of Quezon City.

Through Better World Diliman, farmers from all over Luzon have the opportunity to earn at rates above farmgate price from their excess harvests all year round.

A remodeled property along Maayusin Street in Teachers Village was converted into a hub for fresh vegetables and organic products. There are leafy greens, fresh fruits, giant tomatoes, heirloom rice in all hues, and Benguet coffee beans.

Among the more unique harvests include purple corn, local asparagus, and Lisbon lemon. Banana vinegar and darker honey from Dinagat are also specialties.

"A big struggle especially during this pandemic is hunger and food supply. We saw it as a major opportunity to bring our resources to help," San Miguel Foundation program assistant Clara Cabrera said during the inauguration ceremony on Thursday.

Better World Diliman has been running for just six months, yet it has already sold half a million kilos of various farm produce to public markets and individual buyers. Rural Rising Philippines co-founder Ace Estrada said about 4,500 farmers have benefited from the initiative.

The nonprofit group scouts for farmers and their excess supplies from all over the island bloc. Meanwhile, SMC provides the transportation, storage, and packaging machineries to bring Luzon produce to urban centers. SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang has vowed to do more for the agriculture sector.

Orders may be placed at the Better World Diliman's physical store or online. A special scheme allows consumers that would fill an entire crate, with a separate crate donated to farmers for easier transport of harvests.

These supplies are also used to prepare meals for the needy at SMC's Better World Tondo in Manila.

Source: https://cnnphilippines.com/business/2021/2/18/SMC-fresh-produce-Luzon-farms-Quezon-City-marketplace.html