Property developer SM Development Corp. (SMDC), Globe Telecom Inc. and Scholars of Sustenance Philippines have joined forces for the Hapag Movement to address involuntary hunger that still plagues millions of Filipinos.
The partnership aims to rescue over 110 tons of surplus food from SMDC developments to provide 450,000 meals to 90,000 families over the next 18 months. More than 40 SMDC mixed-use residential developments in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Southern Luzon will take part in the initiative starting this July.
SMDC employees and residents are encouraged to donate quality surplus food, which Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Philippines, an international food rescue organization, will transform into nourishing meals for the beneficiaries.
“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,” said Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Globe Board Director.
The collaboration with Globe for the Hapag Movement builds upon SMDC’s existing sustainability initiative, The Good Guys Program, launched in 2020.
SMDC champions sustainability by embedding it as a core philosophy and guiding principle in its business practices. Known as “The Good Guys,” SMDC is dedicated to creating sustainable master-planned developments that serve as catalysts for substantive change and progress. Inclusivity is integral to their mission.
“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 said.
