Malvar, Batangas –JAPAN Tobacco International (JTI), in partnership with the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) and the Municipal Government of Malvar, officially launched Project Build Up, a community initiative designed to support Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) who aspire to start or grow their own businesses.
Held on December 5, 2025 at the Barangay San Pedro I Gymnasium, the program gathered 100 PWD participants from across Malvar. The project aims to provide training, mentorship, and capacity-building sessions to help them gain the skills and confidence needed to pursue entrepreneurship.
JTI Philippines Director for Corporate Affairs and Communication Mr. Shaiful Bahari Mahpar emphasized that the project is rooted in dignity and inclusion. Project Build Up is here to uplift PWDs in Malvar—to train them, empower them, and help them live with dignity, he said. He added that JTI believes everyone has a role to play in society, and supporting the PWD community ensures they can contribute meaningfully.
Municipal PDAO Officer Ms. Annaliza C. Pagtindon expressed gratitude to JTI and ASSIST for choosing Malvar as the launch site. She shared her hopes that the program will open doors for PWDs seeking livelihood opportunities and long-term stability.
Malvar Mayor Artemio Abu also delivered an inspiring message to the group, saying, Every time I see your group, I see rays of hope, acknowledging the strength and perseverance of Malvar’s PWD community.
As part of the program structure, all 100 PWD participants will undergo a full series of business training sessions and mentorship workshops. According to Ms. Faith Mondejar, JTI Philippines Community Investment Manager, the training will cover the basics of starting a business, sustaining daily operations, and building long-term growth. Although only five finalists will present their business plans, and three will receive seed grants, Mondejar emphasized that all 100 participants are already considered winners for gaining skills they can carry forward.
Project Build Up is anchored on JTI Philippines’ Community Investment principles—All Inclusive, providing equal opportunities; All Involve, fostering collaboration; and All Invested, equipping communities with tools for a sustainable future.
Through this initiative, JTI and ASSIST hope to create a lasting impact by enabling PWD not just to start a business for today, but to build livelihoods that will benefit their families in the years ahead.
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