Ingenio Pichichí is established as an agent of transformation in the region. Our commitment to strengthening the territory is reflected in various strategic initiatives, such as job creation, promoting the well-being of our employees and their families, as well as preserving the environment through the responsible and safe promotion of agro-industrial operations.
We frequently implement actions aimed at improving the quality of life of the communities within our area of influence. We are guided by deep-rooted values of responsibility and preservation, for the benefit of current and future generations.
At Ingenio Pichichí, we recognize the importance of education as a powerful tool that allows us to acquire knowledge, develop skills and expand our understanding of the world around us. We are aware that through education, people can improve their life prospects, access job opportunities and contribute significantly to society.
Cristo Rey School, with more than 70 years of history, offers quality preschool and elementary education to children of Ingenio Pichichí employees and neighbors in the area of influence. As of 2023, basic secondary education began; training children and young people in personal, technological, intellectual and entrepreneurial skills. It stands out for its food agroindustrial technical baccalaureate and an integral farm that promotes sustainable practices. In collaboration with SENA and universities, it prepares technicians in various areas, emphasizing English and new technologies for the seedbed of future employees of Ingenio Pichichí.
In the year 2028, Colegio Cristo Rey will graduate its first graduating class of high school graduates with emphasis in food agroindustry; by that time the school will have a total of 360 students at the preschool, elementary, secondary and vocational levels.
Ingenio Pichichí actively contributes to the revitalization of the local economy in coordination with the ‘VALLE INN’ program of the Government of Valle del Cauca. As the first private company to join the Valle INN fund, we have supported a group of 50 entrepreneurs from Guacarí – Valle del Cauca, Colombia. We have provided them with training in methodologies for the generation of business ideas, strengthening of marketing skills, analysis of business types, evaluation of the business environment and financial planning, among other key aspects.
Ingenio Pichichí from its social commitment, has a significant impact through the gift donation program during the Christmas season to children in rural areas of the municipality of Guacarí- Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Impacting 18 low-income villages, with approximately 1,010 gifts provided by our shareholders and employees, contributing to healthy recreation and free recreation during the gift-giving day.
We work in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Guacarí and the Buga Chamber of Commerce to strengthen and make visible the products and services of local entrepreneurs through the Pichichí Emprende program, which has resulted in a significant increase in their sales; to date we have impacted 60 entrepreneurs. In addition, our management model recognizes our neighboring communities as key stakeholders, sharing territory and supporting informal educational initiatives that respond to local needs. This includes strengthening the local economy through training strategies and support to entrepreneurs to improve their productive capacities and market strategies.
This program, with 22 years of experience, aims to accompany rural communities in our area of influence of Ingenio Pichichí through the promotion of healthy habits, education, guidance in values and recreational activities, impacting 1,600 people per year. This work is carried out through the coordinated collaboration between the different areas of the company and representative local actors, who actively contribute to this initiative.
In our commitment to maintain a continuous relationship with other stakeholders in the territory, we respond to requests from communities, government entities, NGOs, private and ethnic entities in our area of influence, supporting the strengthening of their processes, annually we manage to promote about 100 requests, benefiting 9 municipalities and impacting about 15,000 people.
The ‘Rural Commitment’ program is the result of collaboration between the region’s sugar mills, growers affiliated with Asocaña, Procaña, Azucarí, CENICAÑA and partners such as SENA and ICBF. Its objective is to work together to foster rural employment and promote the development of enterprises. Ingenio Pichichí is part of this sectoral strategy to strengthen the local economy, creating opportunities that make urban and rural producers visible, impacting an average of 60 families per year.
This space acts as a point of convergence for various territorial actors, including municipal administrations, strategic partners and allied mills. With the objective of promoting the local economy through the implementation of a farmer’s market that gives visibility to both local enterprises and rural producers. The marketing of products not only revitalizes local businesses, but also promotes cohesion and coexistence among the inhabitants and neighbors of the municipality.
This initiative represents an opportunity for our employees to discover and purchase products manufactured in the mill’s area of influence. It also serves as a platform for employees with small businesses to capitalize on this opportunity, promoting their products and establishing links with other producers. On average, approximately 50 entrepreneurs participate in this event.
In our organization, integral wellbeing is a continuous commitment aimed at establishing, maintaining and improving conditions that promote the integral development of our employees in the work, personal and family environments.
We encourage the recognition and motivation of our employees through effective coordination in various initiatives, such as the ‘Employee of the Semester’ program and the ‘Years of Service’ program for retirees. These activities are designed to celebrate the effort and commitment of employees in their functions, contributing to the strengthening of the work environment and promoting both satisfaction and individual commitment, impacting 140 employees a year.
We implemented a variety of activities aimed at the physical and emotional well-being of our employees, through the Fitness Center and participation in sporting events and recreational days, covering 1,062 employees.
We also organize family gatherings, such as “Nuestras Familias de Visita” (Our Visiting Families) and “Día de la Familia” (Family Day), with the objective of strengthening the sense of belonging, fostering teamwork, promoting results orientation and developing leadership skills .
We offer integral accompaniment in the acquisition of housing, offering advice and assistance in applying for subsidies provided by the Comfenalco compensation fund and government entities. Additionally, we ensure a continuous follow-up throughout the process, annually impacting 20 employees and their families.