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Leading online food and grocery platform foodpanda recently expressed its commitment to fighting hunger and promoting sustainability through its flagship advocacy program, Let’s Do Our Pau-rt! (LDOP).

The announcement was made during the launch of their 2021-2022 Corporate Social Advocacy Report, where they shared the company’s outreach initiatives and key programs for the past two years, including during the height of COVID lockdowns.

At the event, foodpanda simultaneously launched its enhanced sustainability program, Let’s Do Our Pau-rt.

The company first introduced LDOP late last year as a program to help build an economically inclusive and environmentally-resilient Philippines. With the program’s expansion, LDOP will still include protecting the environment and fostering community development as key pillars, while adding the mission to fight hunger as one of the focus areas.

“Focusing on these main pillars, we are looking at a clearer path towards creating meaningful change to communities,” said foodpanda Philippines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Daniel Marogy, adding that they want their efforts to make a broader and more holistic impact not just to the country, but also to the world.

In 2015, United Nations (UN) member states, including the Philippines, committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 everyone would live in peace and prosperity. Marogy pointed out that the three pillars of LDOP will touch on key areas of the SDGs.

“We are at the forefront of a growing movement that will positively impact our surroundings and the communities we serve. The launch is also perfectly timed with the celebration of our 9th anniversary as we showcase what else we can offer to make a difference to the lives of our partners and the society,” Marogy said.

Taking action against hunger

The latest Sustainable Development Report data shows that the country faces major challenges in SGD 2 (Zero Hunger), which also supports what the local Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey found that around 2.7 million Filipino families experienced hunger in Q1 2023.

To help address this challenge, foodpanda has developed several initiatives under the LDOP umbrella such as the ShareTheMeal program, which is a meal donation feature built in the foodpanda app that will allow users to easily donate meals after checking out their orders.

Launched in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the ShareTheMeal program will benefit local farmers from disaster-prone areas in the country. Since the Philippines faces a trend of frequent climate emergencies, thousands of farmers and fisherfolk’s livelihoods are affected yearly, leaving them with wiped-out harvests and farm income loss.

“Farmers are one of the most affected by natural calamities as it destroys their crop and livestock production – which is their source of income and oftentimes, what they also eat. By joining and partnering with WFP in this advocacy, we can help provide meals to thousands of Filipino farmers,” Marogy explained.

The ShareTheMeal program is an extension of a global partnership launched by parent company Delivery Hero SE with the WFP. As of December 2022, the food meal initiative has now donated over 10 million meals globally. “As we want to be the complete food ecosystem in the market, it’s only fitting that we also do our part to help address hunger with the abundance of food resources that we have so that we can also join the fight against global hunger,” Marogy said.

Aside from the app feature, foodpanda is also partnering with Scholars of Sustenance, a global food rescue foundation, to donate food items from its pandamart grocery delivery service to communities in need. Marogy shared that they are also planning to enlist the help of its partner restaurants to also encourage them to donate their excess food items.

Being pau-rt of a better PH

Throughout 2021-2022, foodpanda implemented key programs supporting its social responsibility and sustainability goals.

LDOP encourages its community of employees, vendors, delivery partners, consumers, and other stakeholders to take part in taking care of the environment. The foodpanda PH Chief added that a huge part of their LDOP program is focused on promoting biking as a safe and sustainable mode of transport. “Our delivery fleet consists of 22% of Ka-pandas using bicycles, which allowed us to achieve 25% of orders delivered using bicycles.”

This advocacy also led them to form a formal collaboration with the National Bicycle Organization (NBO) and support biking-related activities and initiatives.

Marogy declared that they intend to ramp up efforts to tackle the protection of the environment as this is still an existing problem in the country. The recent SDG report revealed that the country continues to face significant challenges in SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and communities). “As this is ingrained in our company core values, we want to continue and strengthen our efforts to contribute to a more sustainable future through and for our people, partners, and communities.”

Meanwhile, foodpanda also did its share of providing livelihood opportunities and building resilient communities.

“With our pandaBIZ program, many displaced workers, especially during the pandemic, had the opportunity to find alternative sources of livelihood as part of our Ka-panda fleet. On the other hand, our BuyAnihan Palengke initiative connected beneficiaries – consisting of former Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), out-of-school youths and single parents – with sources of resaleable agricultural produce.”

BuyAnihan Palengke

Meanwhile, pandaSHARES mobilized donations and emergency assistance to the marginalized sectors or communities affected by natural disasters as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility program. “The Bayanihan spirit is deeply rooted in the Filipino culture; that’s why we supported relief efforts directed at disaster-stricken communities and programs that help uplift the less fortunate,” Marogy said.

Marogy concluded that all their past and upcoming programs are both a continuance and a fresh new start for its corporate social advocacy. “Starting yet another chapter, we want to bring and carry on with the good that we did while also looking ahead with brand-new initiatives that will benefit a greater number of beneficiaries and an even bigger impact on society.”

View the full foodpanda 2021-2022 Corporate Social Advocacy Report here.

Increased heart rate may result to heavy breathing and lightheadedness. These symptoms may be due to stress and may aggravate the condition called hypertension. Hence, identifying hypertension for most undiagnosed patients may be similar to stress symptoms.
 
What many don’t know is that when the body is under stress, it can produce hormones that elevate the heart rate that somehow contributes to elevated blood pressure. Putting a lot of stress to major organs and blood vessels leading to their damage.
 
People with hypertension must actively avoid stress carriers for the sake of their well-being. Children or grandchildren whose family has a history of hypertension or heart disease should steer clear of stressors, too, as 50% of the condition is caused by genetics.
 
Dr. Erick Frago, Director for the Grepa Medical Diagnostic Clinic, shares these tips to avoid stress:
 
1. Stop smoking. A Stanford Medicine study on coronary heart disease in the Philippines said 28% of Filipinos smoke cigarettes. Some admit they “self-medicate” with cigarettes to relieve stress. However, smoking only heightens feelings of anxiety and tension because it stimulates the brain to be in such state. Likewise, prolonged smoking damages the lungs, preventing good air exchange between CO2 and Oxygen.”
 
Dr. Frago says cutting cigarette consumption is key to good heart health. E-cigarettes and vape pens aren’t safe either, as showed by many clinical studies that the risk develop from cigarettes are also noted from e-cigarettes.
 
2. Cut the caffeine.  Another stimulant drug to avoid is caffeine: coffee, tea, and even chocolates. Caffeine causes a short but sharp spike in blood pressure, which explains the palpitations that come after having one too many cups of joe. Excessive caffeine can also cause sleeping difficulties, which leads to sleep deprivation that can elevate blood pressure.
 
Dr. Frago recommends sticking to one to three cups of coffee a day, preferably the naturally brewed and not the instant type. “Decaffeinated coffee may be a good alternative but still in moderate amounts.  Those who normally drink four to six cups daily may cut down their consumption gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.”
 
 
3. Pay your sleep debt. Not getting enough sleep or rest is another stressor that can exacerbate hypertension. A study on stress published by The American Psychological Association says adults who sleep fewer than eight hours a night experience higher levels of stress than those who get at least 8 hours of sleep.

 
For those who struggle to sleep at night, Dr. Frago suggests not eating a big meal or consuming caffeine at least two hours before bedtime. “Avoid using gadgets an hour before bedtime, too, as the blue light emitted by your mobile phone or laptop stimulates the brain to be kept awake,” said Dr. Frago. “Keep a warm ambience by using warm lighting in bedrooms to stimulate sleep. Avoid making your bedroom an office, if possible, separate the working area from your resting area inside your household. As always suggested to leave your personal problems at home when going to work, leave your work problems in your office when you go home.”
 
 
4. Take a break. “Being a workaholic is bad for your heart,” says Dr. Frago. A study by the American Heart Association about working long hours supports this statement, showing that working more than 49 hours a week can increase your chances of developing chronic hypertension by 66%.

“Take work breaks every now and then,” says Dr. Frago. “Stretch, drink water, and avoid looking at a device screen for at least 10 minutes. Additionally, set a time limit for the workday to have ample time for rest. Always remember that the 24 hours in a day can be divided into three 8-hour windows specifically designed for your need. The first 8-hour window ought to be dedicated to work; the second window dedicated to sleep to keep you recharged; and the last 8-hour window dedicated to quality time spent on yourself, family, and friends. Remember that the last 8 hours are priceless.”
 
5. Invest in your self-care.  Dr. Frago says self-care habits, even simple ones, go a long way in reducing stress. These include carving out time for hobbies, getting a massage, and spending time outdoors, among others. These activities help people relax and disconnect from stressful events, allowing their blood pressure to stabilize.
 
Self-care also involves staying on top of one’s physical health. Going to checkups regularly, monitoring blood pressure, and taking medication are critical to avoiding hypertensive crises and other illnesses.
 
Getting insured is another form of self-care. Health insurance coverage can help secure your finances in case of medical-related issues, as the benefits can be used to support expenses for healthcare products
and services.
 
Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), a major life insurance company in the country, offers four health protection plans suitable for the different health needs of all life stages:
 
 Sun Grepa Fit and Well is a comprehensive life and health protection plan that provides financial
benefits upon early or late diagnosis of any of the 100+ covered critical illness conditions. This plan can be availed at a young age to enjoy health protection for life.
 
 Sun Grepa Senior Care is specifically designed to provide health insurance to those who are already in their pre retiree or retiree life stages. Benefits include access to preventative health care, and coverage for 17 common advanced-age critical illness conditions.

 Sun Grepa Cancer Care is a specialized health protection plan that enables one to be prepared and in control of his finances should cancer strike.

 Sun Grepa ProHealth is a convenient and affordable health solution that provides protection benefits to help one get through any stage of a critical illness. The product may be availed
through an easy and hassle-free application process using a simple health questionnaire with no
medical examination requirement.  

To know which Sun Life Grepa health protection plan suits your lifestyle and health needs, contact a Sun Life Grepa advisor, ask a Bancassurance Sales Officer at any RCBC branch, or email wecare@sunlifegrepa.com .

June 12 — The Independence Day celebration at SM Supermalls in Bulacan proved that not even heavy rain could dampen the spirit of patriotism and unity. Despite the downpour, SM Malls in Marilao, Pulilan, and Baliwag showcased vibrant and unforgettable events, brimming with unique flag-raising ceremonies, captivating performances, and trade fairs.




In Marilao, SM became a vibrant hub for the community as the Local Government of the town and members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) gathered to honor the Nation’s Independence Day. Approximately 600 individuals gathered to participate in the flag ceremony held at SM City Marilao. Following the ceremonial tribute, the mall transformed into a vibrant stage with numerous cultural performances captivating the audience. Among the highlights of the program was the soul-stirring performance by Bulacan Concertante. Adding a modern twist to the celebration, FCPC Baliktanaw dancers took center stage, donning vibrant costumes that mirrored the colors of the national flag. Their dynamic moves celebrated the diversity and progress of the Philippines, embodying the country’s modern spirit while paying homage to its rich cultural heritage.

The Independence Day celebration at SM City Marilao not only features remarkable performances but also includes the KKK Independence Trade and Food Fair at the event center. In collaboration with the Marilao Local Government, 64 homegrown Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) participated in the Trade and Food Fair. This unique exhibit showcased Marilao’s best products in fashion, food and beverage, home decor, and many more.

SM City Baliwag and SM Center Pulilan likewise dedicated a series of meaningful programs and presentations to celebrate the Nation’s Independence Day.


SM City Baliwag kicked off its Independence Day celebration with a cultural presentation by the BulSU Saring Himig Chorale. The lively performance was followed by an impressive military march and tactical demonstration by the Philippine Army. As a culmination of the celebration, an exhibit showcasing the military arsenal and community projects of the Philippine Army was set up at the mall expansion. This provides shoppers with an up-close look at the military’s efforts and prowess.

Meanwhile, SM Center Pulilan ignited the spirit of Independence Day through captivating performances by local artists from Daloy Kolektibo. The artists mesmerized the audience with their talent and dedication to promoting local culture.

 

 

Pinoypreneur Bazar in SM Center Pulilan is a tribute to local brands this Independence Day. Among the products showcased were Pulilan Handicraft, Lheihon’s Homemade Food Products, Dan & Espie Scent & Souvenirs, and Lito Rey Boneless Bangus Tinapa

 

Emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses and promoting Pinoy Pride, both SM City Baliwag and SM Center Pulilan encouraged shoppers to explore the Pinoypreneur Bazaar, which features a wide array of products from homegrown brands in the province. SM Center Pulilan showcased Pulilan Handicraft, Lheihon’s Homemade Food Products, Dan & Espie Scent & Souvenirs, and Lito Rey Boneless Tinapang Bangus, while SM City Baliwag exhibited local treats such as Sweet Escakes, Soy Yummy, and Ice Sramble ni Momshie Sarah.

Fra Lippo Lippi will be staging a two-day concert this week: The Theatre at Solaire on Friday, June 16, 2023, and the Santa Rosa Sports Complex on Saturday, June 17, 2023.

The Norwegian pop act, headed by lead vocalist and keyboardist Per Sorensen, returns to Manila and Laguna for a concert that asserts their influence as one of the defining acts of the new wave era.

Earlier this month, Fra Lippo Lippi’s Per Sorensen guested at ABS-CBN’s Showtime to promote his upcoming two-day concert, produced by DMC Philippines. He also expressed his gratitude to the Filipino fans who have shown unwavering love and support for his music during an intimate press con last June 12, 2023 at the Kingsford Hotel in Paranaque City, Metro Manila.

“I’m always grateful to the Philippines for the warm welcome that they give me every time I visit the country to do a show,” the ‘80s pop icon shares. “I’m excited to grace the concert stage once again and perform some of the biggest hits of my career, along with some personal favorites.”

Fra Lippo Lippi is best known for their worldwide hits, including classics such as “Every time I See You;” “Beauty and Madness;” “Stitches and Burns;” “Light and Shade;” “The Distance Between Us;” “Angel;” and more.

After bassist and founding co-member Rune Kristoffer decided to call it quits, Per Sorensen kept the band’s music alive through live concert tours all around the world, with the Philippines as one of its regular stops.

In 2002, Per Sorensen and his band released “Later,” a chart-topping smash in Asia and the rest of Europe. He even managed to collaborate with Filipino R&B star Kyla on “Wish We Were Two;” which garnered heavy airplay on various top 40 stations in Manila and major cities across the Philippines.

This event is supported by Steve Hovington of B-Movie, who will be performing with Fra Lippo Lippi’s Per Sorensen at both venues: The Theatre at Solaire on Friday, June 16, 2023, and the Santa Rosa Sports Complex on Saturday, June 17, 2023.

The event is presented by New DMC Entertainment Production Management, Maui & Sons, and The Rail.

Ashley Mae Torres, Grade 10 Quirino High School

Every parent knows you can shout at the top of your voice until you’re blue in the face, but you can’t always make children listen. Especially if what you are shouting about is something that is potentially dangerous, but their peers more commonly believe is “cool”.



It doesn’t matter if you’re right or wrong, it doesn’t matter if you have their best interests at heart, it doesn’t matter that you might have lived through the very same thing that they are and are trying to help them not make your mistakes. After kids hit a certain age, adults become the enemy.



So how do you get an important message through to adolescents? By using one of the most powerful communication tools known to man: storytelling.



Neil Gaiman, wildly successful author and graphic novelist, tells us that stories “teach us how the world is put together and the rules of living in the world, and they come in an attractive enough package that we take pleasure from them and want to help them propagate.”



Invention born of necessity

It is given that youths of today will experiment with many things as they grow older, regardless of the environment and socio-economic conditions they grew up in.

Unfortunately, this means that the vast majority of young people all across the world will come across the chance to sample substances: nicotine, alcohol, or even illegal drugs.



Smashed, which was launched in the Philippines through a collaboration between Diageo Philippines and PETA Plus in partnership with UK-based company Collingwood Learning. It is a groundbreaking global program that is a pillar of Diageo’s Society 2030: Spirit of Progress commitment to tackle underage drinking.



Chris Simes, the Managing Director for Collingwood Learning, recognizes that in order to nip the problem in the bud, one has to take a completely different approach other than lecturing the youth. “This is a real change from the usual approach to alcohol education in schools and one that makes the risks of underage drinking impossible to forget. We understand that because of the pandemic, both teachers and students are still adjusting to the current normal. But we want to help carry the learning forward by providing high-quality teaching resources for use, despite the pandemic. We’re thrilled to be working with PETA Plus and the Department of Education in the Philippines to produce new innovative online learning solutions to supplement the highly successful live approach.”





Inevitably, kids who start drinking at an early age do not have minds and bodies that are able to process alcoholic beverages. They get lured into it by seeing it as a rite of passage, a means of escape, or a social requirement.



On its second run, Smashed utilizes a novel approach, with additional features designed for more interaction with its target audience.



Conceptualized during the time when education was adapting to the new constraints of being unable to hold physical classes, the Smashed Philippine project initially launched in September 2021. It was an interactive website (online.smashedproject.org) that sought to empower Filipino teens and preteens to make better choices by harnessing their critical thinking skills.



Smashed utilized an online platform featuring a gripping story with three main characters and even has a feature that makes the viewer feel like they are actually on video calls with the characters as they follow along.



What’s the problem?

It’s easy to ignore a problem you don’t see. Teens learn how to drink from adults. They think it’s okay because they see it everyday, and sometimes, they are even encouraged to drink, especially males. Adults will sometimes allow their children to drink inside their homes with their friends because it is ‘safer’, saying, “mas okay nang dito ka mag-inom sa bahay kesa sa labas”.



But the Philippines does have an underage drinking culture. If you’re ever in doubt about this fact, just ask the kids.

Angel Borda (left ) student at Don Alejandro Roces Sr. Science- Technology High School (DARRSTHS)

Ashley Mae Torres, a tenth-grade student from Quirino High School, points out, “Bilang kabataan, mas marami akong nakikitang proud maging alcoholic.” That’s a worrying statement indeed, but she also credits Smashed, seeing the potential good in the program. “Salamat at dahil sa Smashed mas lumawak ang aking kaalaman sa mga panganib ng alcohol,” says Ashley. “Mas magandang piliin ang tama kasya sa udyok ng ibang tao.”



The Philippines, which has a thriving drinking culture, reports that 70% of the population has consumed alcohol before the age of 14, despite it being illegal for stores and restaurants to sell or serve the substance to minors. This could be a problem.







Sometimes the adults in the lives of young drinkers are the problem. In a scathing insight, the winner of the Smashed essay writing contest notes, “Ang problem po sa underage drinking sa bansa natin ay ine-encourage pa ng ibang family na ‘uy uminom ka’. Diyan din ako nagsimula ayaw ko pang uminom pero kinalaunan umiinom na rin ako tapos na-enjoy ko na rin.” Angel Borda, from Don Alejandro Roces Sr. Science-Technology High School emphasizes that the relatability of the situations of the characters was especially helpful in this case. “Pero ‘yun po yung mali talaga. We have to break that mindset. Napansin ko po yung kay Miko and kay Jella na yung pinagdadaanan po nila sa buhay nila, sa personal life nila is yun po yung ineexplain po nun kung bakit sila may addiction sa drinking pero it’s not an excuse sa behavior na pinapakita nila. Yung pagiging iresponsable nila, yung kawalan nila ng respeto sa ibang tao, kumbaga hindi sila main character sa buhay na ito at hindi lang sila ang maapektuhan sa buhay na ginagawa nila.”



The American-based National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) has published research that has found that those who get into the habit of alcohol consumption earlier in life may suffer more from it than those who learn to drink at an appropriate age. It states that “youthful patterns of alcohol use can mark the start of a developmental pathway that may lead to abuse and dependence”, and that continued drinking may lead to physiological reactions, such as depression or anxiety disorders, triggering an even greater reliance on the substance to alleviate the symptoms of these disorders. That’s already discounting the immediate effects of alcohol on young minds, which could lead to poor decision-making, patterns of antisocial behavior, and impaired motor skills. Finally, there is also the detrimental effect of extensive alcohol exposure on developing vital organs such as the liver and brain.



Lofty goals and marked successes

During its initial rollout in the Philippines in 2021, Smashed was supported by 120 schools in 17 regions and managed to get up in front of an audience of 17,700 young people. With the Department of Education and other academic institutions serving as partners, Smashed Online was able to equip educators and young leaders with workshops and training.



For 2023, the program’s goal is to be able to get its message through to over 25,000 students, partnering with schools and educators all over the Philippines. It is the program’s target to reach 300,000 Filipino youths by 2030 by working in close collaboration with the Department of Education.



“We are proud to support an important program to address the dangers associated with underage drinking like Smashed in the Philippines. This is part of our Society 2030: Spirit of Progress at Diageo, and we are confident that we can make a positive impact with the Filipino youths in making informed choices about alcohol and combat alcohol related harm for generations to come”, comments Shanahan Chua, Corporate Relations Director of Diageo Philippines.



According to the Philippines’ Smashed Online project manager, Gold Villar-Lim, in 2022, 93% of the total participants surveyed reported a marked attitudinal change. “Overall, the project is not only a big step in advocating for alcohol education and youth empowerment, but also in promoting applied theater and drama-in-education as effective teaching tools in the Philippines,” says Villar-Lim.



It isn’t just about making a connection with the participants, either. Smashed tries to melt the resistance that most children seem to have towards reaching out to adults to help in case they find themselves in a sticky spot due to alcohol, especially their parents. And it seems that the message is getting through.

Even educators are impressed. “Highly recommended talaga ang Smashed PH kasi na-to-touch niya yung mga buhay at talagang nangyayari araw araw sa mga mag-aaral, says Russel Radaza, a department head at President Sergio Osmeña High School Manila. “Mas maganda kung mas maraming schools ang ma-rereach out ng Smashed PH para sila ay mag-enjoy at mas matuto about alcoholic beverages.”

This sentiment is echoed by Jennifer Rances, a teacher at Sipocot National High School in Camarines Sur. Sa akin naman, talagang napakalaking tulong po nito na sa mga young learners lalo na ngayon iba na ang gusto nilang gawin hindi na sila nakafocus,” she says, emphasizing the lack of connection between a child’s attention span and traditional methods of education. She goes on to stress that “with these kinds of projects, talagang magiging focus nila ay […] ano ba talaga yung nangyayari sa society at ano ba talaga yung realidad. With this kind of project that Smashed Ph has, talagang sa tingin ko sobrang positive ako na madedevelop ang mga bata rito. Lahat madedevelop including their skills, pati yung mga talents nila at yung focus din even leadership skills.”



Could this change in the approach to the conversation create lasting effects in the way we approach underage drinking? Will it create deliberate and productive conversations between children at risk and the adults who are in the position to guide them? Evidence points to the possibility of both, and although only time will tell, Smashed Ph is definitely taking the necessary steps in the right direction.