Sustaining a Filipino Favorite

For generations, sardines have remained a familiar presence in Filipino homes — affordable, filling, and dependable during both ordinary days and difficult times. But behind every can on the shelf is a larger story about the people, communities, and marine resources that make this everyday staple possible.

Through the “Padagos, Bulan” initiative,  Ligo Sardines and its parent company have strengthened efforts to promote sustainability while improving the lives of fishing communities in Bulan. The program focuses not only on protecting fish supplies, but also on creating opportunities that help local families build more stable livelihoods.

Working closely with community partners, the initiative provided training programs for more than 600 fisherfolk, encouraging responsible fishing methods and better fish handling practices. These efforts resulted in a significant improvement in fish quality, with rejection rates dropping from 13 percent to only 3 percent. The improvements also helped support over 3,400 manufacturing jobs connected to local fish processing activities.

Beyond the fishermen themselves, the program also extended livelihood support to women in the community. Around 300 fisherfolk wives participated in skills and livelihood training aimed at helping families diversify their income sources and strengthen household stability.

The impact of the initiative also reached schools and young learners. More than 5,300 children benefited from feeding activities that provided over 200,000 protein-rich meals, helping address nutrition needs in underserved communities. Classroom support initiatives further strengthened the program’s contribution to education and child welfare.

With stronger supply systems and community participation, the broader initiative also contributed to delivering an estimated 57 million protein-rich meals to Filipino consumers nationwide.

The sustainability program recently earned recognition at the PRCA APAC Awards under the CSR and Sustainability category, highlighting its efforts in combining environmental responsibility with meaningful community development. For Ligo, protecting the future of sardines goes beyond business — it reflects a continuing commitment to the Filipino families who rely on the staple every day.