On World Food Day, celebrated annually on October 16, the United Nations brings attention to the global challenges of hunger, malnutrition, and food waste. This year, Cebu Pacific and Universal Robina Corporation, two companies under the JG Summit Holdings umbrella, have actively contributed to this cause. Through their respective partnerships with Scholars of Sustenance Philippines (SOS), a non-profit focused on food rescue and redistribution, both companies are working to improve food security and reduce waste nationwide.
Cebu Pacific: Leading the Way in Food Waste Reduction
A champion of sustainability in the aviation industry, Cebu Pacific proudly stands as the first and only airline in Southeast Asia to partner with SOS Philippines thus far. Through a recently signed memorandum of agreement (MOA), Cebu Pacific commits to donating surplus good quality food from its operations, which SOS Philippines will distribute to underprivileged communities nationwide. This initiative not only reduces food wastage but also extends a lifeline to vulnerable communities by providing essential food supplies.
"This collaboration shows our dedication to community care," said Lei Apostol, CEB vice president for Customer Service Operations. “By partnering with SOS Philippines, we are not only addressing food waste but also making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most."
Before its shared initiative with SOS Ph, Cebu Pacific had already been contributing to underserved communities, notably donating pastries to the Pangarap Foundation since 2017. Their collaboration with SOS now expands this effort, allowing the airline to impact more lives.
"Their support boosts our ability to rescue surplus food and provide it to those in need,” said Mac Edsel Florendo, Food Rescue Supervisor of SOS Philippines. “Together, we can make a significant impact in the fight against food waste and hunger."
URC’s Meaningful Participation on World Food Day
Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has also stepped up its involvement with SOS Philippines, notably through its participation in a Rescue Kitchen program, one of the build-up activities in celebration of World Food Day.
On October 9, URC volunteers joined SOS at their headquarters, where they assisted in preparing nutritious meals for distribution to communities in need. Working alongside one of SOS PH’s head chefs, the URC team cooked and packed meals that would be distributed later in the day. The meals reached around 500 beneficiaries at the Pugad Lawin Civic Center in Marikina City, with each recipient also receiving a liter of Vitasoy Milky Oat drink provided by Vitasoy Philippines.
The activity provided URC employees with a hands-on experience in both food preparation and community service, allowing them to see and feel the direct impact of their efforts.
The experience underscored the importance of reducing food waste and supporting local communities, reinforcing URC’s commitment to social responsibility. While World Food Day is an annual event, URC aims to carry its message forward in their daily actions.
Through their respective partnerships with SOS Philippines, Cebu Pacific and URC are providing their full support behind global sustainability initiatives while fostering Stewardship, a core value of the Gokongwei Group that emphasizes the responsibility of individuals and business units in managing resources wisely and ethically.
For more information on Cebu Pacific, visit cebupacificair.com
For more information on Universal Robina Corp., visit urc.com.ph
To learn more about Scholars of Sustenance and its food rescue programs, visit scholarsofsustenance.org/sosphilippines
