NAGA CITY, PHILIPPINES — Universal Robina Corporation (URC) Flour and the City Government of Naga have officially entered into a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony for the upcoming Peñafrancia Festival.
Led by Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo alongside URC Flour management, this collaboration formally integrates URC Flour’s acclaimed SUGOD BAKERY CARAVAN into the city’s historic festivities. The initiative marks a significant commitment to upskilling local bakers, introducing useful baking practices , and empowering neighborhood bakeshops across Naga City and the surrounding Bicol region.
Marking the debut of the Sugod Bakery concept in Bicol, URC Flour is actively supporting Bicol’s premier religious and cultural celebration—this milestone builds on successful caravan stops in Lucban, Sariaya, Davao City, and Cagayan de Oro. The SUGOD BAKERY CARAVAN will take place on September 17 and 18 at the PAGCOR Multipurpose Event Center, Urban, Balatas Rd, Naga City, Camarines Sur.
Driving Innovation in Naga’s Local Baking Industry
Driven by the arrival of the high-energy Sugod Bakery Van, the caravan transforms the festival grounds into an interactive, mobile learning hub for local bakers, bakeshop owners, and food artisans. Beyond celebrating faith and devotion during Peñafrancia, the program creates direct pathways for sustainable grassroots development, business expansion, and skills capability building.
Local participants will gain practical knowledge in baking techniques, proper handling of ingredients using URC Flour’s products, cost management strategies, food safety protocols, and effective baking practices designed to support product quality and day-to-day operations.
A Continuing Mission for Grassroots Empowerment
For URC Flour, bringing the Sugod Bakery Caravan to Bicol reinforces its broader vision of long-term industry partnership and economic empowerment across the Philippines.
“Our commitment goes far beyond supplying high-quality flour; we are dedicated to walking alongside every local baker on their journey toward sustainable success. Bringing the Sugod Bakery Caravan to Naga City for its Bicol debut is an incredible milestone for us, especially as we mark our second year supporting the Peñafrancia Festival.
Through technical mastery, practical business insights, and baking techniques, we aim to equip local bakeshop owners with the tools they need to stay competitive and thrive. We are deeply honored to partner with Mayor Leni Robredo and the City Government of Naga.”, Naida Ebora, Commercial Director, URC Flour
Uplifting Bicolano Culinary Heritage
By blending the deep-rooted cultural energy of the Peñafrancia Festival with professional technical expertise and business mentorship, URC Flour and the City Government of Naga are ensuring that Bicol’s rich bread and pastry culture continues to flourish for generations to come.
