Malnutrition has long been a major challenge in the Philippines. Based on the National Nutrition Survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, about one million Filipino children suffer from acute malnutrition. According to UNICEF, about 95 children in the Philippines die from malnutrition every day; alarmingly, 27 out of 1,000 Filipino children will not get past their fifth birthday. Given these circumstances, the Gokongwei Group through its ecosystem partnered with Scholars of Sustenance Philippines to help reinforce food security throughout the country.
Scholars of Sustenance is a registered non-profit organization that aims to address food waste and food insecurity problems in Southeast Asia. Its operations in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines involve partnering with restaurants, food manufacturers, hotels, retailers, and similar establishments to obtain good quality surplus food and distribute them to different communities in need.
As it continues to take part in nation building, the Gokongwei Group has strengthened its partnership with SOS PH by involving its strategic business units toward making food security a vital part of its corporate social responsibility.
“When children have the right nutrition, they become stronger, smarter, and happier citizens. We at the Gokongwei Group understand this, and food rescue is an advocacy we take to heart. Together with SOS PH, we redirect edible food to those in need, so children do not go hungry. Together, we hope to contribute toward Zero Hunger goals,” said Yvonne Flores, the Gokongwei Group’s Director for CSR and Sustainability, who spearheaded the partnership and reinforces the involvement of each business unit with SOS PH.
Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. and Universal Robina Corporation, for example, have already stepped up their respective collaborations with SOS PH by providing surplus food items for distribution.
No Brand, one of RRHI's banner brands, urged its store personnel to be more mindful of their inventory and help their communities by donating surplus food items of good quality. “Working with SOS PH provided efficient and effective logistical support that allows us to share resources at the soonest possible time with those in need. When handling food, time is of the essence. SOS PH helped us save both on costs and time. Through them, we were able to empower our stores to care more about their establishments by checking stocks and to care more about the impact that they can create on the communities,” said Angela Totanes, Marketing Manager for No Brand.
On its part, URC tapped its business units to support the initiative as well. For instance, URC Flour donated 173 bags of raw flour which SOS then turned into meals and donated to persons deprived of liberty. “We are a fast-moving consumer goods company that is engaged in a wide variety of CSR activities. When SOS PH was introduced to us last year, we thought it was high time that we partner with an organization whose mission does not differ much from ours. Our purpose of delighting everyone with good food choices was further strengthened through this partnership as we are confident that SOS PH will take part in this purpose of ensuring we create a significant impact on communities that are sometimes overlooked. Through this partnership, we are not just delighting our consumers, but we also take part in building a community where there is food security regardless of income, status, and identity,” said Pola Reyes, URC’s Manager for Internal Communication and Corporate Employee Programs.
Since the partnership started in December 2022, the Gokongwei Group's business units have collectively donated close to 16.5 tons of food (approximately 10 truckloads using KaGat, SOS PH's food truck), which equates to 70,000 meals served. Just as important, by redirecting surplus food away from landfills, the conglomerate has helped to curb around 42,000 kg of CO2 emissions.
The Gokongwei Group will continue to expand its partnership with SOS PH. At present, it is engaged in talks to integrate Robinsons Land’s latest hotel property, The Westin Sonata Place Hotel, into the group’s food rescue operations.
Every act of kindness, no matter how small, is always appreciated. With each of the Gokongwei Group’s business units doing their share, the goal of food security for our country comes closer within reach.
