Entrepreneurs and fishermen benefited from the Activa Pisagua Program

18-6-2024

Raw materials, machinery and supplies were delivered in the 2nd version of this program, for the productive development of the 8 winners of the Competitive Fund, and the members of the Union No. 1 of Shellfish Divers and No. 2 of Independent Workers of Pisagua.
"With the objective of promoting productive and social development and contributing to an improvement in the quality of life of the inhabitants of Pisagua, SQM Yodo Nutrición Vegetal, together with Fundación Factor de Cambio, delivered supplies and equipment to local entrepreneurs and fishermen as part of the Activa Pisagua Program.

This initiative provided a total of $16 million pesos for the 8 entrepreneurs who won the Competitive Fund, for the development and implementation of their business projects, and $21 million pesos for the purchase of diving equipment for the members of the Union No. 1 of Shellfish Divers, which will improve their working conditions, thus impacting their families and the environment.

Alejandro Fernández, in charge of Productive Development at SQM Yodo Nutrición Vegetal, commented "For us, the Activa Pisagua Program is a milestone, which demonstrates compliance with what was established in the Working Group that we have in the town. With this program, today we have 8 new services available, so that people coming from other localities can enjoy the attributes of Pisagua, and on the other hand, we have fishermen and shellfish divers, who, with new equipment, can perform their operations in a better way. In this way, we contribute to the creation of shared social value in the territory.

Héctor Anabalón, executive director of Fundación Factor de Cambio, added "it is extremely gratifying to carry out this type of initiative that gives value and visibility to the localities farthest from urban areas. We have met people with projects of great commercial potential that promote local development, projecting it beyond their borders. That is why field work is so important, as it allows us to identify different needs and channel them in the best way, whether in the area of entrepreneurship or for the productive development of the communities and fishermen".

Testimonials

"Deynna Araya, was one of the beneficiaries of the Fondo Concursable Activa Pisagua, with her project Natural Cosmetics and Holistic Medicine. "My initiative consists of manipulating herbs and algae, to transform them into natural cosmetics, such as creams, shampoos, ointments, everything for the body and health", said the entrepreneur.

Regarding the support received by the fund, she commented that "it has helped me in the way to expand, providing health, contributing to the community in wellness, from natural cosmetics and sea medicine".

Wilson Inostroza, president of the Union No. 1 of Shellfish Divers, said "During the meetings of the Working Groups, they have supported us in many activities, mainly in Activa Pisagua, since we as fishermen needed to give a boost to the small business, both on land and at sea. Therefore, we are grateful for the efforts being made by SQM and the foundation towards the union's artisanal fishing".

During the next few days, the corresponding equipment will be delivered to the members of the Pisagua Independent Workers Union No. 2, as part of this program that seeks to contribute to community development by promoting initiatives that improve the social and productive conditions of the area".