Globe, SM Development Corporation (SMDC), and Scholars of Sustenance Philippines have united in a powerful alliance to combat involuntary hunger through the Hapag Movement. This collaboration aims to rescue over 110 tons of surplus food from SMDC developments, transforming it into 450,000 meals for 90,000 families over the next 18 months.
Beginning this July, more than 40 SMDC mixed-use residential developments in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Southern Luzon will participate in this groundbreaking initiative. SMDC employees and residents are encouraged to donate quality surplus food, which Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Philippines, an international food rescue organization, will convert into nourishing meals for those in need.
This initiative not only tackles hunger but also minimizes food waste, reflecting both organizations’ dedication to sustainability and social responsibility.
A Major Step Forward
“SMDC’s participation in The Hapag Movement represents a major step forward in our mission to combat involuntary hunger. By harnessing the power of community and corporate collaboration, we hope to make a tangible impact on the lives of those in need,”
said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.
“Our goals are ambitious. There’s a lot that needs to be done and many challenges to conquer. But with the help of partners like the SM Group and SOS PH, we could make a real impact and bring positive change in the lives of those in need. We are so grateful to have partners like you through this journey,”
added Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Globe Board Director and CEO of AC Industrials.
Building on a Solid Foundation
The Hapag Movement builds upon SMDC’s existing sustainability initiative, The Good Guys Program, launched in 2020. Known for embedding sustainability as a core philosophy, SMDC creates master-planned developments that drive substantial change and progress. Inclusivity is at the heart of their mission, ensuring every aspect of their operations contributes positively to the environment and society.
“The Good Guys” also refer to the residents, employees, and visitors of SMDC developments across the country, fostering a holistic approach to sustainable living.
Empowering Communities Together
“Partnering with Globe to support the Hapag Movement and its mobilization partner, Scholars of Sustenance (SOS), aligns with our goal of addressing waste management issues while engaging our residents. This partnership establishes a system for our residents to rescue surplus food and distribute it to nearby communities, effectively reducing waste and providing food to those in need,”
said Jessica Bianca Sy, SMDC AVP – Project Director.
“No one can achieve significant social impact alone. By working together, we can create lasting positive changes in society. Sustainable practices and fostering community engagement are essential for building resilient and thriving communities. People want to help and be part of the solution. Partnerships like the one we have with Globe’s Hapag Movement, and SOS PH create systems that make it easy for people to do the right thing and become good neighbors to one another,”
she added.
Addressing Urban Challenges
Urban residential developments often face significant waste management challenges, particularly with food, due to high turnover rates and transient populations. This is where SOS PH’s intervention is a perfect fit.
“Residential developments could potentially yield a substantial amount of viable surplus food that we can reallocate to families in need. Our partnership with Globe and SMDC gives SOS PH the opportunity to prevent food waste in these communities,”
said Arthur Winston Bitagcol, Director of Operations, SOS PH.
Tackling Hunger and Waste
Data from the Social Weather Stations survey indicates that 14.2% of Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger in the first quarter of 2024, up from 12.6% in the previous quarter. Simultaneously, Philippine households waste about 2.95 million tons of food annually, equivalent to 26 kilograms per capita, according to the UN Environment Programme’s 2024 Food Waste Index Report.
The Hapag Movement, SMDC, and SOS PH collaboration aims to address both hunger and food waste by utilizing viable surplus food for a sustainable feeding program.
A Call to Action
The Globe-SMDC partnership expands upon the recent collaboration between Globe and the SM Group. In 2022 and 2023, SM’s loyalty program, SMAC, encouraged shoppers to donate their rewards points to the Hapag Movement, resulting in a combined donation of Php 14.1 million, the largest single contribution that the Hapag Movement has received from a business conglomerate to date.
This alliance showcases the potential for corporate collaboration to create meaningful change. As Globe and SMDC lead the way, they invite other organizations and the public to support the Hapag Movement and similar initiatives, working together towards a future where no Filipino family goes hungry.
Join the Movement
Initiated by Globe in 2022, the Hapag Movement has already made significant strides in addressing hunger, providing meals for over 95,000 Filipinos and livelihood training for more than 2,600 beneficiaries. It aims to provide sustainable feeding and livelihood support for 100,000 Filipino families or 500,000 individuals.
Learn more about SMDC’s sustainability initiatives at [www.smd
Learn more about SMDC’s sustainability initiatives at www.smdc.com. Discover the mission of Scholars of Sustenance Philippines at www.scholarsofsustenance.org/sosphilippines.
For more information about The Hapag Movement and how to get involved, email us at globeofgood@globe.com.ph or visit Globe of Good. Together, we can create a future where no Filipino family goes hungry.
