To promote production, social development, and enhance the quality of life for Pisagua residents, SQM Yodo Nutrición Vegetal and Fundación Factor de Cambio have provided supplies and equipment to local entrepreneurs and fishermen through the Activa Pisagua Program.
The initiative allocated a total of CLP 16 million to eight entrepreneurs, who won competitive funding grants for their business projects, and CLP 21 million for purchasing diving equipment for members of the Shellfish Divers Union No. 1. This donation is expected to enhance working conditions, benefiting the fishermen, their families, and the environment.
Alejandro Fernández, Head of Production Development at SQM Yodo Nutrición Vegetal, stated, “The Activa Pisagua Program is a significant milestone demonstrating our commitment to the working group in Pisagua. Thanks to the program, eight new services are now available for visitors to enjoy in Pisagua. Additionally, fishermen and shellfish divers will be able to improve their work with the new equipment, contributing to the creation of shared social value in the area.”
Héctor Anabalón, Executive Director at Fundación Factor de Cambio, expressed satisfaction with the initiative, stating, “This initiative, which adds value and visibility to remote towns, is tremendously gratifying. Through fieldwork, we can identify different needs in entrepreneurship or production development for the communities and fishermen and address them optimally.”
Testimonials from beneficiaries of the program include Deynna Araya, an entrepreneur whose Natural Cosmetics and Holistic Medicine project received funding. She shared, “My initiative involves transforming herbs and algae into natural cosmetics, such as creams, shampoos, and ointments, promoting body and health wellness.”
Wilson Inostroza, President of Shellfish Divers Union No. 1, expressed gratitude for the support, saying, “As fishermen, we needed support for small businesses, both on land and at sea. Therefore, we are grateful for SQM’s and the foundation’s support for the union’s small-scale fishing industry.”
As part of the program, equipment donations will be delivered to members of the Pisagua Independent Workers Union No. 2 in the coming days. Activa Pisagua aims to promote community development by supporting initiatives that improve local social and production conditions.
