admin Globe, a leading telecommunications and digital solutions provider in the Philippines, has partnered with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to elevate its hunger alleviation initiative, the Hapag Movement, to an international platform. The partnership was formalised by Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yoly Crisanto and WFP Philippines Country Director ad interim, Dipayan Bhattacharyya.
Launched on World Hunger Day, the partnership aims to attract international donors to support the Hapag Movement, building on its success over the past two years. Since its inception in 2022, the Hapag Movement has reached over 95,000 individuals and trained 2,662 in livelihood skills. The program’s name, “Hapag,” which means “dining table” in Filipino, symbolises the warmth and connection fostered through shared meals.
The collaboration with WFP will help Globe expand its donor base and amplify its impact. By leveraging the extensive network of the Filipino diaspora and other international donors, Globe seeks to provide urgent assistance to families facing hunger.
Addressing Hunger and Malnutrition
Hunger remains a pressing issue in the Philippines. Recent data from the Social Weather Stations survey indicates that nearly 4 million Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger in the first quarter of 2024. The Philippines scored 14.8 on the 2023 Global Hunger Index, reflecting a “moderate” level of hunger. Yoly Crisanto expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting WFP’s global leadership in the fight against hunger. “With their support, we are confident in mobilising the global donor community to address the urgent issue of hunger in the Philippines,” she said.
Dipayan Bhattacharyya emphasised the importance of private sector partnerships in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. “Globe’s extensive network will allow us to support more food-insecure Filipinos. We are grateful for Globe’s strong commitment to addressing hunger,” Bhattacharyya noted. WFP’s role includes initiatives like ShareTheMeal, which has provided over 226 million meals worldwide. Donations can be made through the Hapag Movement link on ShareTheMeal, and Globe and TM customers can contribute their points via the GlobeOne app. GCash will also soon facilitate donations to ShareTheMeal.
Additionally, WFP supports the Walang Gutom 2027 program, led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), aimed at reducing involuntary hunger. This partnership is crucial for addressing child stunting, a significant issue in the Philippines, where one-third of children are affected. The long-term impact of child stunting includes reduced future productivity and intellectual development setbacks. DSWD Undersecretary Eduardo Punay welcomed the partnership, stating it would bolster the implementation of the Walang Gutom 2027 Food Stamps Program, benefiting food-poor families and supporting the Marcos Jr. administration’s efforts to tackle socio-economic challenges.
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