With the help of local community groups, the Hapag Movement and its implementing partner Ayala Foundation recently brought supplemental feeding to 4,500 students in 21 schools across 4 municipalities in Basilan.
Hunger rates continue to rise across the country, leaving millions struggling for daily sustenance. In particular, Mindanao, home to some of the poorest provinces in the country, saw a 12% increase in hunger rates in December 2023, according to the latest Social Weather Stations survey.
To address this, the Hapag Movement has brought support to the region, zeroing in on Basilan, a province long grappling with conflict and poverty. Basilan has a “relatively high” poverty rate of 46.9%, according to a 2023 report by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Just last month, the Hapag Movement’s supplemental feeding reached remote communities, indigenous peoples, and families of former combatants with the help of alumni from Ayala Foundation’s Basilan Leaders Program–Leadership Communities (BYLP–LeadCom) program. This effort supported 2,500 beneficiaries.
Support also extended to livelihood, with the Hapag Movement providing seeds and fertilizers to farmers in Lantawan town and Lamitan City with the help of LeadCom alumna Nurhati Tangging.
“What we’re doing in Hapag is providing opportunities na mas ma-expand pa ng ating partner farmer beneficiaries sa Basilan ang kanilang pagsasaka. The Hapag project is providing them vegetable seeds at ibang pananim, at the same time fertilizer na magsu-support sa kanilang pananim,” said Tangging.
The project has also reached families of former combatants who have returned to the fold and is reintegrating with the community– a critical component in achieving lasting peace in the conflict-stricken province.
“We identified the different beneficiaries we have in Basilan sa pamamagitan ng kung sino po ‘yung active farmers na nangangailangan ng support lalo sa mga seeds. This Hapag project is also an opportunity to provide foods sa families ng former combatants at kani-kanilang pamilya,” Tangging said.
One notable project was led by community leaders Adzhar Baluan and Saddam Pacio, and teacher Nur-aisa Anilon, all of whom are also BYLP–LeadCom alumni, who organized a feeding program for nearly 1,000 students in December 2023.
“In Globe, we are fully committed to working alongside communities, stakeholders, and local leaders to deploy sustainable solutions that will significantly benefit Filipino families grappling with the harsh reality of involuntary hunger. Through the Hapag Movement, we are determined to secure a more promising future for our less fortunate kababayans,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group chief sustainability and corporate communications officer.
The stories of Basilan communities and their support for the Hapag Movement are a powerful reminder of the impact that collective action can have in making a significant difference in the lives of those in need.
As millions of families continue to grapple with hunger, the Hapag Movement needs your support. Those who would like to send help may donate via the New GlobeOne app using Globe Rewards points. Just follow these steps:
Donations may also be made using GCash through the following steps.
Donations may also be sent via credit card on the Globe of Good website.
To learn more about the Hapag movement, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability/globe-of-good#gref.