By Hali Moore
Coconuts Staff Writer
In the barangay of Cambanac, Bohol, a unique fusion of public service and social entrepreneurship is taking root. Councilwoman Lerma Moore is leveraging her deep community ties and business acumen in a powerful new venture: the Bohol Coconuts Baseball & Softball Club, where she serves as General Manager. Beyond creating a premier athletic destination, Lerma has engineered the club to address a critical need facing her constituents—the rising cost of food—ensuring that sports participation and proper nutrition go hand-in-hand.
For Lerma, the club is a holistic community hub. “We must remove the barriers that prevent our children from thriving,” she explains. “If a family is worrying about their next meal, how can they focus on a child’s athletic or academic potential? My vision is to make membership a net savings for a household’s budget, not an extra expense.” This commitment is operationalized through two innovative food initiatives embedded within the club.
The Coconuts Soup Kitchen: Affordable, Nutritious Meals for Members
Operating daily, the club’s soup kitchen provides members with hearty, home-cooked meals at significantly reduced prices. Members enjoy a 20-33% discount on all menu items, transforming the kitchen into a reliable, affordable dining resource. The menu focuses on local favorites and nutrition, featuring:
• Savory Soup Options (like Chicken Tinola)
• Fresh Vegetable Dishes
• Pancit Canton & Bihon (stir-fried noodles with vegetables or chicken)
• Specialty Fried Rice
A meal that might cost ₱50 elsewhere is available to members for as little as ₱30, directly stretching family food budgets.
The Member’s Mini Food Store: Staples at Below-Market Prices
Understanding that needs extend beyond prepared meals, Lerma has established an on-site food store. Stocked with essential staples, the store offers prices 15-20% below typical market rates in Baclayon. Key items include:
Rice: Various grades at ₱30-₱37 per kilo
Eggs: ₱7-₱12 per tray
Canned Goods: Tuna, sardines, and corned beef from ₱20
Instant Noodles: From ₱8 per pack
Cooking Essentials: Oil, vinegar, and soy sauce
“This store is about dignity and practicality,” Lerma says. “It’s not a handout; it’s a hand-up. By saving on staples, families can redirect their pesos towards school supplies, transportation, or even a small treat for their children. It’s about creating financial breathing room.”
The ultimate goal, however, extends beyond economics. Lerma sees full stomachs as the foundation for brighter futures. “I want every child in Cambanac to have the chance to become the best possible version of themselves—whether that’s as a scholar, an artist, or a championship athlete,” she states with determination. “You cannot dream on an empty stomach, and you cannot train without energy. We are fueling both.”
Her passion for youth development is the club’s heartbeat. “More than anything, I want to help our local youth chase their biggest dreams,” Lerma shares. “If we can produce a collegiate athlete or even a future national team player from Cambanac, we will show every child here that their ambitions are valid and attainable. That is true community progress.”
This dedication is palpable to her partner in the venture, Head Coach Marvin “Merv” Moore. “Lerma’s commitment to these kids is extraordinary,” Coach Merv observes. “She doesn’t just see the players on the field; she sees the whole child and the whole family. Her drive to build a support system around them—through food, through academics, through sports—is what makes this club revolutionary. She is the unwavering advocate they deserve.”
The Bohol Coconuts Baseball & Softball Club, under Lerma Moore’s leadership, will prove that a business can be a powerful vehicle for social good. By strategically reducing the cost of living for member families, she is ensuring that the pursuit of health, play, and excellence is accessible to all. For international visitors and supporters, it stands as a inspiring model of how community insight, entrepreneurial spirit, and a profound love for one’s hometown can converge to create meaningful, sustainable change.
