VIA GRAPHIC PLUS | Manila, Philippines — As small food businesses continue to navigate rising operating costs and challenges in sustaining through their crisis, Solane has partnered with the Philippine Association of Sari-Sari Store and Carinderia Owners (PASCO) to launch Sagip Karinderia, a nationwide initiative designed to help strengthen the resilience of food-service micro and small enterprises through education, safety, and practical business support.
Solane and PASCO representatives come together to champion initiatives that empower local communities and support the livelihood of Filipino karinderia owners. From left to right: Virgilio Ogayon, Marketing Specialist, Solane; Jacob Faith Jayme, Secretariat, PASCO; Jeanne Empaynado, Brand Manager, Solane; Lorelyn D. Tamares, Executive Director, PASCO; Salie Siao, Corporate Secretary/Managing Director, PASCO; Katherine Mendez-Cabisada, Trade and Excellence Manager, Solane; and Myra Recreo, Trade Marketing Manager, Solane.
The program reinforces Solane’s commitment to empowering Filipino entrepreneurs by equipping carinderia owners with the knowledge and resources they need to operate safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
The first Sagip Karinderia session was held last July 2 at Aquinas School in San Juan City, gathering around 100 PASCO members for a morning of learning and capacity building. While the inaugural session welcomed participants from Metro Manila, the initiative was extended to PASCO’s nationwide network of more than 13,000 members. The package offers a subsidy in the form of discounts on LPG supply, helping ease operating costs for carinderias, eateries, food carts, and other small food businesses, through a series of regional caravan sessions across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The initiative complements PASCO’s three-pillar advocacy on Entrepreneurship Education and Training, Environmental Stewardship, and Economic Empowerment and Sustainability. Under Entrepreneurship Education and Training, Sagip Karinderya provides micro-retailers with opportunities to strengthen their business knowledge and day-to-day operations, including greater awareness of safe and efficient LPG use.
The program also supports Environmental Stewardship by encouraging responsible practices among community-based food businesses, while its LPG subsidy helps reduce operating expenses and contributes to the Economic Empowerment and Sustainability of PASCO members. Together, these efforts help micro-retailers build safer, more resilient, and more sustainable businesses while supporting the communities they serve. Advocacy on Entrepreneurship Education and Training as well as Economic Empowerment and Sustainability. This empowers its members in strengthening both operational safety and business resilience.
“As one of the country’s trusted LPG brands, Solane recognizes that many small food businesses rely on LPG every day to keep their livelihoods running. Through Sagip Karinderia, we hope to provide not only access to reliable LPG solutions but also the knowledge and support that help these entrepreneurs operate more safely and efficiently,” said Jeanne Empaynado, Brand Manager of Solane.
The educational program featured expert-led discussions on topics essential to food-service operations, including: Kitchen Safety for Carinderias and Eateries, LPG Emergency Response, and Choosing the Right LPG Partner for Better Cost Efficiency.
For many microentrepreneurs, reliable and safe LPG is essential to daily operations. By combining practical education with tangible business support, Sagip Karinderia aims to help Filipino food entrepreneurs continue serving their communities while building more sustainable livelihoods.
As the program expands across the country, Solane and PASCO remain committed to reaching more small business owners, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to thrive in an evolving business landscape.
About Solane
For decades, Solane has been a trusted LPG brand providing safe, reliable, and high-quality liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) solutions for Filipino households and businesses. Beyond powering everyday cooking, Solane empowers communities through initiatives that promote safety, resilience, and the Filipino spirit of bayanihan.
About Isla LPG Corporation
Isla LPG Corporation, a pioneering company within the expanding Isla Group, is one of the Philippines’ leading LPG suppliers, powering Filipino households, businesses, and major manufacturing industries. Its flagship brand, Solane, is one of the country’s most trusted LPG brands, providing safe, reliable, and high-quality LPG solutions for everyday cooking. Through programs like AlabKalinga, Solane continues to empower communities by promoting safety, resilience, and the Filipino spirit of bayanihan.
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