Ayala Foundation and Globe’s Hapag Movement feed 4,500 people in Basilan

The nation’s hunger rates are still rising, and millions of people are having everyday difficulties obtaining food. According to the most recent Social Weather Stations study, hunger rates increased by 12% in December 2023, especially in Mindanao, which is home to some of the nation’s poorest regions.

The Hapag Movement has targeted Basilan, a province that has long struggled with poverty and conflict, in an effort to remedy this. A 2023 study by the Philippine Statistics Authority states that 46.9% of Basilan’s population lives in poverty, making it a “relatively high” rate.

The Hapag Movement and its implementing partner Ayala Foundation recently provided supplemental nutrition to 4,500 students in 21 schools spread over 4 municipalities in Basilan, thanks to the assistance of local community groups.

Just last month, alumni of the Ayala Foundation’s Basilan Leaders initiative–Leadership villages (BYLP–LeadCom) initiative assisted the Hapag Movement in providing supplemental nutrition to isolated villages, indigenous peoples, and families of former soldiers. There were 2,500 beneficiaries of this endeavor.

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.

On the Globe of Good website, credit card donations are also accepted.

Visit to find out more about the Hapag movement. globeofgood#gref; https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability/globe-of-good#gref.