foodpanda collaborates with a Cooperative to boost support for MSMEs

Pristine beaches, towering limestone cliffs, and the most gorgeous-hued sunsets are just a few things that come to mind when one says El Nido – and rightfully so. Situated in Bacuit Bay, the province continues to draw in and charm thousands of tourists yearly.

Lihim Resorts is one hidden gem that guests keep revisiting again and again. The luxury boutique resort is purposely kept discreet and intimate by nature, ensuring only the most serene and peaceful vacation.

This 2023, guests have a new reason to come and indulge as the resort opens its opulent doors to its highly-anticipated restaurant, Henri’s.

Nestled atop a beautiful hill that overlooks El Nido’s glimmering waters and vibrant sunset, Henri’s has become very distinctive for its towering tri-level property that offers hungry diners a new dining perspective. Think distinctive. Think luxury. Sensory. Most of all, world-class gastronomic feasts.

The restaurant, which had its soft opening last March 23, 2023, is the epitome of class and exquisite sensations with a thoughtfully-curated menu and expertly crafted dishes. Only the best of the best ingredients are sourced, from farm to table and Palawan’s sea to plate.

The genius behind the menu and one of the rising stars in the local food scene is Lihim Resort’s homegrown

Chef de Cuisine, Chef Nicks Valmeo. Together with Araw Hospitality Group’s Junior Corporate, Chef Richard Sumo, they created a well-rounded selection of luscious dishes that incorporate true El Nido ingredients.

Diners can have their fill from the restaurant menu’s delectable starters. Have fresh oysters topped with crispy bacon in barbecue sauce. Or some prawn toast and baked brie. They also have warm soup you wouldn’t mind having no matter the season like Henri’s clam chowder and truffle mushroom. Plus, the salad! Who can say no to Ceasar Lobster salad? But before you fill up, make sure to leave a lot of room for their amazing mains: like the lapu-lapu meuniere, the pan-seared salmon and the grilled snapper fillet.

For meat cravers, there’s a slew of specialty steaks and cuts which are all certified angus beef.

At the Pool Lounge, where you can cool down amidst El Nido’s natural backdrop, lazy afternoons are made better with burgers, pizzas, pastas and wings as the pièces de résistance. All these savory dishes, from the mushroom melt cheeseburger, quatro formaggi and spinach ravioli, to the buffalo and garlic parmesan wings, can be enjoyed with their signature and classic cocktails, alongside an excellent selection of wines, cognacs, rum, whiskey, and other liqueurs.

Working unceasingly to ensure that micro, small, and medium enterprises (“MSMEs”) receive the support they need are online digital platforms like foodpanda. To help even more small businesses, foodpanda has partnered with Online Food Vendors Marketing Cooperative (“OFVMC” or the “Cooperative”). The collaboration aims to boost the assistance provided to these Filipino entrepreneurs so they can gain a wider audience and establish a name in the online marketplace.

According to foodpanda Philippines Finance Director Lhecks De Castro, platforms like them enable MSMEs to achieve sustainable growth by having a wider reach while making their operations more efficient.

“Even beyond the new normal, there are still plenty of benefits that MSMEs can enjoy by getting access to digital platforms, including increased productivity, improved profitability, and reduced operational costs,” said De Castro. “However, transitioning to digital platforms might be challenging for them. But with the combined assistance between us and OFVMC, they can navigate through this transition.”

Cooperative for small businesses

Under RA 9520, also known as the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008, the creation and formation of cooperatives is said to promote the attainment of economic development.

While different types of cooperatives exist in the country, OFVMC focuses on online food vendors. Its goal is to assist micro and small entrepreneurs seeking to reach a wider market while offering educational seminars beneficial to running their business operations and other privileges given to official members.

“For businesses which are just start-ups, joining the Cooperative will encourage member contribution and shared responsibility, not to mention the opportunity to earn interest in their share capital and expand their network in the industry as businesses,” De Castro revealed.

Success stories from members

The owner of Mom Rose Lechon Manok in Bacolod, Michael Vincent

Chua, was one of the many members who are grateful for joining the foodpanda platform through the help of the Cooperative. “We started our business in 2020 when people preferred getting their orders online. Since joining, we were able to grow our business,” he narrated. “Thanks to both the Cooperative and foodpanda, we are happy to share that we are now opening our 4th store this month.”

Also operating in Bacolod, Charisma Libo-on of Chayim Tea House deeply appreciates how the Cooperative provides educational materials for their members on how some business requirements work. “It shows how they really care about us. I’ve gained valuable knowledge and insights on these processes.” On the other hand, she also likes that foodpanda provides that same added value service. “I like how it is a data-driven company, so the promotions and campaigns offered and endorsed to us are well-thought-of. I’m very satisfied with the combination.”

She also happily revealed that being on the platform even for just a year opened many opportunities for them, including expanding their shop and providing job opportunities to more employees under her wing.

Helping MSMEs go digital foodpanda expressed its continued commitment to helping smallscale Filipino businesses as they are believed to be the backbone of Philippine economic recovery. Furthermore, this initiative aligns with the government’s goal to usher in the digital transformation of MSMEs, as their growth will immensely contribute to the country’s overall economic development.

During several functions and official gatherings, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also emphasized that ushering in the digital transformation of MSMEs is one of the key priorities of the current administration. In addition, a measure seeking to amend the Republic Act 6977, also known as Magna Carta for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), is also in the works, which hopes to promote entrepreneurship by strengthening, empowering and enhancing financing and other support programs for MSMEs.