The rice hubs or bigasan that receive interest-free loans from TYF and Philippine Business for Social Progress - The Hunger Project are slightly different from each other.
One bigasan is managed by the Laudato Si Consumers Co-operative composed of parish workers and volunteers of the Diocese of Cubao. Unlike other TYF partner-bigasans that are parish-based, this is based in the Philippine Co-operative Center (PCC) in Cubao.
Co-op chairman Armando Seguis reports that regular buyers include a group of PWDs and a parish-based feeding program. Other parishes also order rice for their charity projects.
The bulk of retail sales comes from co-op members from all over the diocese who sometimes take orders from neighbors drawn to the good quality and more affordable price. Its location inside the PCC building also means access to other co-operatives.
The Laudato Si bigasan’s reach extends far beyond its immediate neighborhood.