Universal Robina Corporation (URC) Flour partnered with Tekton Social Development Association, Inc., to launch “Knead and Lead: Train the Trainers Program,” an initiative designed to equip individuals with sustainable baking skills and help create livelihood opportunities.
The program aims to develop a pool of trainers from Tekton Social Development Association, Inc., Missio Amare’s Laguna and Metro Manila chapters, who will eventually lead baking livelihood sessions in their respective communities. Through this approach, the program seeks to create long-term livelihood opportunities for communities while strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship.
This initiative has three phases—Commercial Baking, Technical Baking and Practical Demonstration. Following the Commercial Baking session last April 13, the participants advanced to their Technical Baking classes last April 27 to 30. The second phase enabled the trainees to further enhance their baking competencies and technical knowledge. The program will culminate in phase three, Practical Demonstration, where participants will be assessed on leading community training sessions.
The graduates of URC Flour’s program will receive a Certificate of Program Completion and an opportunity to join a recognized pool of trainers under the brand’s training facility, Baker John Academy. They will also be empowered to conduct workshops in their respective communities.
Under this partnership with Missio Amare, URC Flour provides instructors, modules, baking ingredients, as well as a training facility through Baker John Academy. The partnership also sets clear success targets, including reaching at least 300 community beneficiaries within the program term—ensuring continuity and measurable impact beyond the initial training phase.
Through “Knead and Lead,” URC Flour reinforces its commitment to community empowerment by sharing its expertise, resources, and technical support. The initiative reflects the company’s broader vision of fostering inclusive growth and helping communities build sustainable livelihoods through baking.