One of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. In the Philippines, food security has been a long-standing issue, with millions of children suffering from hunger due to poverty and limited access to nutritious food. Paradoxically, food waste poses a significant environmental challenge, as discarded food decomposes in landfills, releasing carbon dioxide and exacerbating the climate crisis.
Allianz PNB Life (AZPNBL) has committed to addressing these dual issues by partnering with Scholars of Sustenance PH (SOS PH), a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing surplus food and providing nutritious meals to vulnerable communities. This partnership has led to the donation of a food truck named “KaGat”—a term that translates to 'bite' in Filipino, symbolizing the company's resolve to take a substantial "bite" out of food waste and hunger.
Community Engagement and Efforts
AZPNBL employees have actively engaged in community support activities, including food drives and kitchen immersions. In 2023, these initiatives benefited 1,500 individuals, including children in conflict with the law and their relatives. AZPNBL also participated in the 2023 KaGat Summit, which aims to unite food industry leaders and sustainability advocates from various sectors—academia, business, civil society, and government agencies—towards a future with ZERO food waste and ZERO hunger.
This year, AZPNBL plans to further support the SOS PH Food Rescue Program by involving its employees in two food rescue and food drive activities and continuing its partnership with the Zero Summit Philippines. These initiatives underscore AZPNBL's dedication to promoting sustainability and food security.
Significant Impact of the Partnership
The collaboration between AZPNBL and SOS PH has yielded substantial benefits for the communities they serve. With the Allianz-sponsored truck, KaGat, Scholars of Sustenance Philippines has successfully rescued 286 tons of food, preventing 779 tons of CO2 emissions. Moreover, they have distributed and served 1.2 million meals to over 60 community partners.
Allianz's support has enabled SOS to reach communities facing food insecurity, delivering much-needed meals directly to those in need. Arthur Winston Bitagcol, SOS Global Director of Operations, remarked, “This collaboration has enabled us to rescue surplus food efficiently, ensuring it doesn’t end up in landfills where it could cause significant environmental harm. This partnership is not only fighting hunger but also promoting sustainability and reducing our environmental footprint. It embodies our shared commitment to making a positive impact on both people and the planet. One of the key impacts of the Allianz-SOS PH partnership is that having a reputable name like Allianz associated with us serves as a 'stamp of quality' for our work and organization as a whole.”
Commitment to Sustainable Solutions
AZPNBL’s Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer, Gino Riola, stated, “We are proud to support this endeavor to end hunger among our vulnerable sectors and offer more access to good nutrition in our communities. With our mission to secure the future of the Filipino, we are tasked to do our part in ensuring more equitable access to food. Through the “KaGat” food truck, we can take a bite out of hunger and replace it with hope.”
Looking ahead, SOS PH is set to expand its reach with new programs such as the Healthy School Meals Program, which aims to provide nutritious meals to students, enhancing their ability to focus on education. Additionally, the Rescue Farm Program seeks to reduce agricultural waste and support farmers simultaneously.
Conclusion
The partnership between Allianz PNB Life and Scholars of Sustenance PH exemplifies a comprehensive approach to addressing hunger and food waste in the Philippines. By rescuing surplus food and ensuring it reaches those in need, this collaboration not only fights hunger but also promotes sustainability and reduces environmental harm. For more information about Allianz PNB Life and its sustainability programs, visit www.allianzpnblife.ph.
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