Founded in 2003 by Dr. Milagros How, Universal Harvester, Inc. (UHI) was established with a commitment to strict quality standards in both product manufacturing and management systems. However, Dr. How envisioned more than just a successful business—she built a company where Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is deeply embedded in its operations, shaping its purpose and influence.
Dr. How emphasizes this commitment, stating, “To us, using corporate resources to transform lives and communities is more than just a corporate social responsibility — it is our responsibility.” This philosophy drives UHI’s operations and ensures that the company’s success directly benefits society.
Unwavering Commitment to CSR
Unlike traditional CSR models, UHI does not allocate a fixed budget for its initiatives. Instead, resources are directed based on the actual needs of its beneficiaries, ensuring that every effort is impactful and meaningful.
Over the years, UHI has prioritized education, training, technical assistance, and farmer-business opportunity matching programs. These initiatives have positively impacted approximately 8 million Filipino farmers, equipping them with the latest advancements in agricultural technology. One of UHI’s flagship efforts, the Study Tours and Exchange Programs, allows farmers to observe best farming practices across different regions in the Philippines and other parts of Asia.
Honoring Farmers Through TOFARM
Believing that agriculture sustains life and that farmers deserve greater recognition, UHI partnered with Junior Chamber International-Philippines to launch “The Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines” (TOFARM). This awards program celebrates the contributions of Filipino farmers, with 156 awardees serving as mentors and knowledge sources for others in the industry.
Expanding on this initiative, UHI introduced several TOFARM-related projects to reignite interest in agriculture. The TOFARM Songwriting Competition produced an album featuring 10 original songs dedicated to farming and agriculture. The TOFARM Film Festival created 12 full-length agricultural-themed films to inspire and educate audiences. The TOFARM Villages project provided support to 5,760 farmers across 37 calamity-stricken municipalities in Leyte.
Preserving the Banaue Rice Terraces
Dr. How’s commitment to sustainability led UHI to launch a major CSR initiative focused on preserving the Banaue Rice Terraces. Recognizing these centuries-old paddies as more than just a tourist attraction, Dr. How describes them as “a monument of the ingenuity of the first Filipino farmers, and a showcase of sustainable, environmentally-friendly farming systems.”
The “Banaue Rice Terraces Restoration Project” aims to rehabilitate eroded portions of the terraces while increasing awareness of their cultural and historical significance. As part of this effort, UHI has sponsored study tours for Banaue farmers and local leaders to UNESCO-recognized rice terraces in China, Japan, and Indonesia. These exchanges provide valuable insights into preservation techniques and empower communities to safeguard their agricultural heritage.
The Fusion of Business and Social Mission
At UHI, CSR is not separate from business—it is at the heart of every operation. Employees actively participate in the company’s social mission, ensuring that every task contributes to both business growth and community development.
Dr. How sums up UHI’s purpose with a clear message: “Corporate social responsibility is the fusion and harmony of UHI’s business goals and social mission.” Through its unwavering commitment to CSR, UHI continues to transform the agricultural landscape, uplift communities, and honor the farmers who sustain life.
