Pugad Pandesal: Bread and much more

MANILA, Philippines –  Whole wheat bread. Malunggay cookies. Carrot pandesal. Pan de coco done the traditional way full of fresh coconut filling. Sugar free peanut butter. Homemade bagoong and garlic chips.

The bakery training and livelihood program created in partnership with Don Bosco Pugad Center for migrant youths and Chevron Philippines, marketer of Caltex products, have come a long way since it began with six young bakers and a donated oven in 2003.

This Caltex Energy for Learning (EFL) program now includes a profitable bakeshop called Manna from Heaven and showcases the ever-diversifying bread items and other products Pugad’s youths make. The bakeshop has a solid clientele, located as it is in the heart of Don Bosco parish.

EFL supports learning-based programs, which target groups that do not have access to mainstream education and helps them acquire new knowledge, gain news skills or be exposed to different ways of thinking. Through learning, Chevron believes that individuals will acquire the tools they need to succeed in life, provide for their families and contribute to their communities.

According to Don Bosco Pugad director Fr. Dave Buenaventura, “Our bakery and bakeshop earned more than 10 times it did when we launched it seven years ago. We have been able to buy more baking equipment, expand our facilities and even supply meals for our organization through the bakery’s profits. But, more importantly, we have helped more than 200 migrant youths expand their job opportunities by learning a new trade such as baking, and developing values and skills such as dealing with customers when they sell the bread. Our boys now having a brighter future.”