Firm Helps 3 million Tobacco Farmers, Families

Filipino owned and controlled cigarette and tobacco manufacturer Mighty Corporation (MC) has confirmed to buy more tobacco leaves and helping three million tobacco farmers and their dependents increase their income in the Northern Luzon Region.

Mighty Corpration Executive Vice President Oscar P. Barrientos said that as the company’s share of the domestic market has skyrocketed from a minimal 5% in 2012 to 20% of the local market for cigarettes in 2013.

Firm Helps 3 million Tobacco Farmers, Families

“We have earned our fair share of the market by making affordable cigarettes sold to the mass market. We’re proud of our modest success coming from a home-grown and Filipino-owned cigarette company.” said Barrientos.

“With a bigger share of Mighty Corp. in the market today, we are giving the tobacco farmers a fair share of our success by offering competitive prices to their crops.” said the retired judge.

He also stressed that Mighty Corporation has heavily put emphasis in the cause of the Filipino tobacco farmers by buying a larger share of the low-grade tobacco leaves at good prices.

“Last year, we have bought even the low-priced tobacco leaves. Had Mighty Corp. not done that, it would have created a problem for tobacco farmers.” the retired judge commented.

“We are happy to offer better prices to tobacco farmers and are willing to tie-up with the Department of Agriculture and the National Tobacco Administration to cement our partnership with the farmers.” he added.

Mighty Corporation's EVP and Spokesperson also claimed that it is not only the tobacco farmers who benefit from Mighty’s growth but the whole country as well through the company’s payment of taxes from the sale of cigarettes.

“Our contribution is in the form of taxes, which helps in the development of the country. We also employed more factory workers. Now, we have more than 2,000.” he said.

The retired judge also said that with bigger contribution, Mighty Corporation is also expanding its corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects to help tobacco cooperatives increase their production.

“As far as CSR is concerned, we will have irrigation pumps in their area and provide mini tractors. This will come in the form of grant. We will have scholarship grants.” ended he.