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| foodpanda riders and volunteers at the DSWD Walang Gutom Kitchen with DSWD officers Atty. John Dwight Cruz (Chief Administrative Officer), Ramil Mapoy (Pag-Abot NPMO Social Welfare Officer), and Nikka Mae Pablo (Nutritionist-Dietician III) (Image Source: Manila Standard/foodpanda Philippines) |
In a move to help address involuntary hunger faced by vulnerable communities, foodpanda Philippines, through its ‘Let’s do our PAUrt’ initiative, joined forces with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its flagship initiative, Walang Gutom Kitchen (WGK) under the Pag-abot Program. This collaboration reflects foodpanda’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) #2: Zero Hunger and highlights the power of public-private partnerships in building inclusive initiatives and driving equitable access for communities to essential resources.
Through this partnership, foodpanda provided grocery donations and meals to WGK through its grocery arm pandamart. The initiative also engaged foodpanda Logistics’ delivery partners, giving them a chance to witness firsthand the social impact of their work beyond daily deliveries. “At foodpanda, we believe that access to nutritious food is a basic human right. Supporting DSWD is a step toward the goal of is a step toward the goal of ensuring that no Filipino goes hungry, while also uplifting communities in need,” said foodpanda Philippines Director of Public Relations and Public Affairs Lew Lopez. Lew further emphasized the collaborative nature of the effort, stating, “We wanted to maximize the resources we have and be participatory — not just providing assistance, but also giving our delivery partners a chance to understand the impact of their work. It’s a meaningful way to empower everyone involved.” These meals are complemented by groceries donated by partners like foodpanda, enough to sustain the daily needs of all beneficiaries. They also shared that many vulnerable groups, especially individuals in street situations, are often overlooked — particularly during typhoons. There are days when operations must close due to heavy rains for the safety of staff, raising concern about where clients will eat.
“Partnerships like this are highly beneficial to the mission of Walang Gutom Kitchen. They highlight a whole-nation approach that ensures inclusivity in delivering basic needs, particularly in addressing involuntary hunger among our target beneficiaries. Collaborations like this strengthen our ability to fulfill our purpose and continue serving those who need it most,” said DSWD Pag-Abot NPMO Social Welfare Officer Ramil B. Mapoy. DSWD Chief Administrative Officer Atty. John Dwight B. Cruz also acknowledged the role of private sector collaboration, stating, “Hunger and malnutrition remain pressing challenges in the Philippines, with one in eleven individuals affected. Corporate social responsibility efforts, like those of foodpanda, are important in helping us extend support and achieve sustainable food security.” This partnership highlights foodpanda’s commitment to using its platform, network, and delivery partners to create meaningful social impact. Beyond providing meals, it shows how businesses can actively contribute to inclusive growth and the sustainable development of vulnerable populations. Collaborations like this show that when private sector resources align with government initiatives, the collective effort can reach further, foster social responsibility, and build a stronger, more caring society.
