PLDT, Smart ‘Rice Together’ join global movement Rise Against Hunger, for national food security

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) recently turned over 9 metric tons of rice to non-profit organization Rise Against Hunger Philippines, as part of its 'Rice Together' program.

A growing global movement to eradicate hunger, Rise Against Hunger helps empower communities through nutrition and emergency response.

Through ‘Rice Together!’, PLDT and Smart extended support to Rise Against Hunger’s feeding programs that will enable them to help feed over 19,000 families in Manila, Pasig, and Laguna. 

“We express our commitment and gratitude to Rise Against Hunger. It is our hope that through this collaboration, made possible through the Philippine Business for Social Progress, we may help relieve hunger and improve the lives of our countrymen. Let us all work together to one day see a food-secure Philippines,” said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Group Head of Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.

Volunteers from PLDT and Smart join the first batch of feeding program in Pasig City serving 17,000 meals to its residents

The rice donated was sourced from Occidental Mindoro farmer-participants of ‘FarmSmart Farm’ program, an agriculture initiative of PLDT and Smart that promotes sustainable and tech-enabled farming practices. To help provide income to the participating rice growers, PLDT and Smart directly bought their produce at fair and competitive prices.

Through ‘Buy Local’, another home-grown initiative, PLDT and Smart provide farmers access to a sure market for their crops. Part of the generated sales from the harvested produce will eventually go to a sustainability fund lent to other farmers as low-interest loans for farm inputs.  

Rise Against Hunger will begin the serving meals to children and their families this December, just in time for the holidays.  

“Part of our movement is to end hunger, one meal at a time. This would not be possible without the support of our partner organizations. We would like to express our gratitude to PLDT and Smart for reaching out and contributing to this advocacy. There is strength in numbers. Together, we can rise against hunger,” said Mr. Jomar Fleras, Executive Director of Rise Against Hunger Philippines.

PLDT and Smart recognize the role of food security in improving the quality of life of communities, and remain committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UNSDG 2 Zero Hunger.