COMMITMENT TO FOOD SECURITY, FARMERS' HEALTH AND THE COMMUNITY

Two months after the declaration of the state of emergency in Ecuador due to the COVID19 pandemic, the banana producing sector keeps working constantly, overcoming the challenges and guaranteeing the supply of the fruit to the markets. It certainly has not been easy, but committed and responsible work has made it possible.

“As producers we have a three-way responsibility, first with our entire team of farm workers to ensure their health and well-being as they go out every day to carry out their valuable work in the midst of current circumstances. Second, to maintain the agricultural chain operational in favor of food security and the protection of jobs. And third, with the same level of importance, we feel responsible for contributing and looking after the rural communities that surround us.” Vicente Wong, CEO - Reybanpac.

Reybanpac employs more than 6,500 men and women from Los Ríos and Santo Domingo provinces. From the first moment of the emergency, health protocols were quickly activated and we expanded our medical team for greater health coverage dedicated to our collaborators and their families.

Through the Wong Foundation, humanitarian aid has been articulated to deliver food to the most vulnerable families in the area through the coordination of community leaders and working alongside other civil society groups. “Several Reybanpac clients have also joined this effort, who have generously made financial contributions in order to reach more families. We believe that if we work collaboratively as a sector we can generate a positive impact to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. Our intention in the Wong Foundation is to be able to provide sustained support throughout the emergency and continue to promote the development of rural communities, just as we have been doing for over 25 years.”

Since 1993, the Wong Foundation has focused its efforts on the empowerment of communities through education, fostering critical thinking and values, and leadership development; as well as to the preservation of the environment. Part of its work consists on the protection of Río Palenque Scientific Center, the only remaining primary tropical forest in the Alto Guayas river basin. "We believe that corporate responsibility goes beyond having a sustainable business, which is why we also promote community development so that they can build a better future for their younger generations."

To collaborate with the Wong Foundation you can contact jjensen@favoritafc.com or visit the website: www.fundacionwong.org