Food

Jollibee Group re: Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the social development arm of Jollibee Group, recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education (DepEd) for the adoption of the central kitchen model for School-based Feeding Program (SBFP), which aims to alleviate hunger among school-aged children. DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara led the signing ceremonies with JGF President Gisela Tiongson at the DepEd office last December 11, 2024.
 

In an effort to reduce hunger among school-aged children, the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the social development division of Jollibee Group, recently inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education (DepEd) to implement the central kitchen model for the School-based Feeding Program (SBFP). On December 11, 2024, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara presided over the signing ceremonies with JGF President Gisela Tiongson at the DepEd office.

As part of the aforementioned collaboration, JGF will support the development of capacity to share its knowledge of executing the central kitchen model with local government agencies, partner public schools, and local partners through the JGF Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) Program. In the upcoming year and a half, thousands of students from Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon are anticipated to gain from this collaboration.

The Foundation first launched the BLT Program in 2007, recognizing the need to address hunger, a key factor contributing to low school attendance and high drop-out rates among public elementary students. In 2016, with DepEd implementing the School-based Feeding Program (SBFP) nationwide, JGF transitioned its approach by focusing on the establishment of central kitchens, reinforcing its commitment to promoting better access to food. To date it has spearheaded the creation of 41 central kitchens nationwide, providing continuous support to DepEd’s SBFP . Since its inception, the program has served meals to over 270,000 students from the direct feeding approach and the shift to establishing central kitchens.  

“The BLT Kitchens centralize the preparation and distribution of meals, feeding thousands of students with less time and effort,” said JGF President Gisela Tiongson. “By working with DepEd and the support of the local government units, private institutions and parent volunteers in utilizing the central kitchen model, we can help mitigate hunger and give students better chances of continuing their education.”    

Empowering facilitators

The Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) will also support the development of training centers for central kitchen management. Under the partnership, 15 of JGF’s existing BLT partner schools will serve as learning hubs for organizations aiming to establish their own central kitchens.

JGF will produce manuals and educational videos for DepEd staff and BLT partners to guarantee consistent and long-lasting implementation. These materials will enhance the initiative’s long-term success by aiding in process standardization.

Under the said partnership, JGF will provide capacity building support to DepEd personnel based on its experience in implementing the Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) Program.
 

Nine DepEd Central and Regional staff have so far taken part in a four-day training conducted by JGF. These qualified individuals will act as coaches, liaising with local government entities to establish central kitchens for community and school meals. In order to guarantee the sustainability and impact of these central kitchens, they will also offer technical advice on how to put them up and run them.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

McDonald’s Philippines and VYBE by BPI are collaborating this holiday season to introduce the “Holiday Treats” promotion, which will make festivities even more delightful. Customers nationwide can get a complimentary New Tiramisu or New Hazelnut McFlurry with every qualified transaction made through the VYBE app between December 11 and December 31, 2024. Fans of McDonald’s have the ideal excuse to indulge themselves and take full advantage of the celebrations this season thanks to this fantastic promotion.

Using the ease of smartphones, VYBE, which is quickly becoming the preferred digital payment platform among Filipinos, streamlines the way consumers purchase, eat, and make payments. Users can use the VYBE e-wallet to pay cashless at any QR Ph retailer, take advantage of special offers like Holiday Treats, and get rewards for each purchase. For people who want to simplify their holiday eating and shopping, it’s the ideal partner.

Customers who make a single-receipt purchase of at least PHP 300 at any McDonald’s store nationwide, whether for dine-in, take-out, or drive-thru, are eligible to claim their free McFlurry. To qualify, they simply need to pay using the VYBE app. Once the transaction is completed, customers can head to the cashier or take-out counter and claim their New Tiramisu McFlurry or New Hazelnut McFlurry, just by presenting proof of their VYBE transaction.

Each VYBE-registered mobile number is eligible to claim one free McFlurry regardless of multiple transactions in a day, the minimum single-receipt transaction requirement of PHP 300 must be met. Making it easy to enjoy a daily holiday treat during the promo period. Customers are encouraged to grab their McFlurries right after completing their qualifying purchase. Whether you’re craving the rich flavor of tiramisu or the nutty goodness of hazelnut, McDonald’s has you covered with these delicious, limited-time flavors.

“We are thrilled to partner with McDonald’s to encourage Filipinos to embrace a more rewarding lifestyle by transitioning to digital platforms for their financial transactions. This collaboration is an easy and fun way for consumers to incorporate VYBE in their holiday spending while enjoying their favorite McFlurries this holiday season,” said Eric Faustino, Head of Digital Partnerships and Ecosystems at BPI.

There’s no better way to treat yourself or your loved ones this Christmas than with McDonald’s and BPI VYBE’s Holiday Treats promo, which runs through the end of December and offers a lovely way to celebrate the season with the convenience of mobile payments and a free McFlurry on the line.

Get the BPI VYBE app now from the Apple Store or Google Play to take advantage of this exclusive feature and other deals.

No strategy? No worries, as Absolut Vodka & SPRITE takes over the Philippines, hosting the ultimate unplanned bash to celebrate the launch of the nation’s newest alcoholic ready-to-drink (ARTD) beverage.

This season, Absolut Vodka & SPRITE is poised to spark impromptu get-togethers with friends without the need for formal invitations, dress codes, or wristbands, emphasizing that the pre-mixed alcoholic drink is the ideal combination for life’s most memorable unplanned moments.

Bringing together two iconic brands that have grown to have a global footprint, the new pre-mixed alcoholic cocktail is made with the perfect mix of Absolut Vodka’s full-bodied, smooth character with the highly refreshing lemon and lime flavour of SPRITE. Truly, the perfect blend of premium quality and refreshing taste has arrived.

Mark Dee, Senior Director of Frontline Marketing at the Coca-Cola Company for ASP East Region shares, “In today’s world where planning dominates, Absolut Vodka & SPRITE encourages people to relish life’s unplanned moments. We’re thrilled to bring the ‘Planned for the Unplanned’ campaign to life, offering our adult consumers a unique and interactive experience. We hope that our consumers across the Philippines will be inspired to embrace the unexpected and spark spontaneous gatherings with friends throughout the season and beyond.”

This innovative new beverage brings together the smooth sophistication of Absolut Vodka with the refreshing crisp, lemon-lime zest of SPRITE. Conveniently pre-mixed and packaged in a sleek 320mL can with a 7% ABV, it is designed for those spontaneous moments and social gatherings, ensuring you’re always ready to enjoy a perfectly balanced alcoholic cocktail.

Debasree Dasgupta, VP Global Marketing, Absolut Vodka added, “We’re delighted to see the next iteration of the Absolut Vodka & SPRITE journey, with the launch of this campaign platform. Absolut Vodka has always been the key player for the perfect mix in any social occasion, so inviting consumers to try Absolute Vodka & Sprite while enjoying their spontaneous unplanned hangouts with friends couldn’t be truer to our brand.”

Discover the Perfect Mix

The Absolut Vodka & SPRITE Ready-To-Drink Alcoholic Cocktail is available in select stores in Metro Manila and will soon roll out to other areas nationwide Clear responsibility symbols on the cans indicate that the drink is to be enjoyed only by consumers of legal purchasing age. Both The Coca-Cola Company and Pernod Ricard are committed to adhering to responsible marketing practices.

For just PHP 55 SRP at supermarkets and PHP 65 SRP at convenience stores, the Absolut Vodka & SPRITE Ready-To-Drink Alcoholic Cocktail provides the ideal balance of luxury taste and convenience, whether you’re organizing a party or embracing an unforeseen moment. The official Coca-Cola Flagship Store on Lazada, located at https://s.lazada.com.ph/a.jbn, also sells it.

To learn more about our responsible marketing strategies and the most recent news about Absolut Vodka & SPRITE, visit www.coca-cola.com/ph or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Drink responsibly at all times.

Over 18 participants from different FEP farmer groups and local implementing partners gathered to learn about agri-extension approaches and methods at the pioneering Agri-Tech Facilitator Training Program of the Jollibee Group Foundation.
 

The inaugural round of training for the Agri-Tech Facilitator (ATF) Program was successfully held in Pasig City from October 14–16 by the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the social development division of the Jollibee Group. As part of JGF’s effort to develop smallholder farmers into agri-tech facilitators who will find, test, and promote innovations that will increase the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of their agro-enterprises, this training covered the first of three program modules.

JGF offers farmer groups and local implementing partners of its Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP) ongoing capacity-building training, which includes the ATF Program. Ayat ti Pasuquin Farmers and Irrigators Association, Kalasag Multipurpose Cooperative, Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Lourdes Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Marcos Village Palayan City Farmers Agri-Farm Corporation, Onion and Vegetables Producers Cooperative, Pagbiagan Multipurpose Cooperative, Sacred Heart Savings Cooperative, Tucop Farmers Association, Ungab Farmers Association, and Ahon sa Hirap, Inc. (ASHI) were among the first group of ATF participants.

“The Agri-Tech Facilitator Program enables JGF to further support the growth of our farmers. By fostering collaboration and encouraging openness to innovative changes, we hope our farmers could thrive better as agro-entrepreneurs and continue to achieve sustainability and success in the long-term,” JGF President Gisela Tiongson said.

The ATF participants engaged in activities and workshops to build on their outputs and allow them to have a meaningful learning experience.
 

For Jude Tria, Board of Director of the Lourdes Multi-Purpose Cooperative, one of FEP’s local implementing partners, who is also an ATF Farmer Adviser, the entire module would also be beneficial in building their confidence and establishing their quality as FEP farmers.

“Naniniwala ako na ang programa ng ATF ay magkakaroon ng magandang epekto sa mga magsasaka dahil ang agritech ay hindi lamang pamilyar sa mga magsasaka kundi nakatutok din sa bawat isa sa kanila. Dahil napaka-accessible rin nila, hindi na magdadalawang isip ang mga magsasaka tungkol sa pagkonsulta sa kanila, at sa akin, ito ay magreresulta sa na ang programa ay maging isang milestone, isa pang trademark ng FEP, (I believe that the ATF program would have a good impact on the farmers because the agritech is not only familiar with the farmers but is also focused on each one of them. Since they are also very accessible, the farmers won’t have second thoughts about consulting them, and to me, this would eventually result in the program becoming a milestone, another trademark of FEP)” he said.

JGF, through FEP, provides smallholder farmers with training and resources to help sharpen their leadership and technical skills, enabling them to supply quality vegetables to institutional markets such as Jollibee Group. To date, 19 FEP farmer groups regularly deliver their crops to the Company.

Farming Innovations

Following the completion of the first module, the participants will proceed to the next two modules which will be conducted in 2025. Part of the two other modules is the practicum participation of the attendees.

The next training session will be in January 2025 and will be facilitated by the Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan.

For Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative Association Cluster Leader Jefrey Velasquez, the ATF program helps enhance their competency as farmers. As a leader, he also learned how to communicate effectively, which, according to him, is essential in building relationships with his fellow farmers.

“Mahalaga po itong training na ito dahil dito po nagmumula ang mga bagong kaalaman sa teknolohiya, at iba pa pong kasanayan, na siya ko rin pong ituturo sa aking mga kapwa magsasaka.” (This training is important because it gives us new knowledge on technology, as well as other practices, which I will also be able to teach and share with my fellow farmers) he said.

Meanwhile, Larena Nicolas, President of the Marcos Village Palayan City Farmers Agri-Farm Corporation, appreciates how the training encourages leaders like her to help their fellow farmers succeed.

“Kailangan ko pong maituro sa aming members ang kahalagahan ng ganitong trainings upang ma-adopt din po nila ‘yong practices at patuloy na makapag supply sa mga institutional market. Importante po talaga na magpaliwanag sa mga farmer at pakinggan ang needs nila,” (I need to teach our members the importance of such trainings so they can also adopt the practices and be able to continuously supply to institutional markets. It is important that we get to discuss with them and listen to their needs) she added.

JGF is eager to see how the new Agri-Tech Facilitators will apply these agri-extension strategies and techniques in their local farming communities, thereby improving the standard of living for the nation’s smallholder farmers.