The local government of Pasig, together with Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Philippines, launched the “Rescue Kitchen Project” to address the issues of food waste and food insecurity.

The project was launched following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with SOS Philippines, a registered non-profit environmental organization reducing food waste and hunger, on Friday, Feb. 20.

“Layunin ng inisyatibong ito na tugunan ang suliranin sa food waste o ang pagkaaksaya ng pagkain, at food insecurity o kakulangan ng seguridad sa pagkain (The initiative aims to address the issues of food waste and food insecurity),” the local government said.

Through the project, surplus food that remains safe, fresh, and suitable for consumption will be collected from various restaurants, hotels, retailers, and food manufacturers, and will be cooked and distributed to those most in need.

During the ceremonial launch, Mayor Vico Sotto and Councilor Angelu De Leon, Chairperson of the Committee on Social Services and Solo Parents, expressed support and appreciation.

Also present at the event was SOS Philippines General Manager Rachel Luna. Representatives from their private sector partners likewise delivered messages, including Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc., Sustainability Manager Francis Paul Bayan and San Miguel Foundation, Inc., Head Ma. Raquel Paula Lichauco.

During the launch, youth volunteers from the city witnessed a live demonstration led by the SOS Philippines Team on the proper preparation of packed meals. The group also explained the entire process, from food preparation and packing to delivery and distribution of the cooked meals.

Personnel from the City Health Department–Environmental Sanitation Office and the Pasig City Nutrition Office also conducted a short seminar on proper and safe food handling, including reminders on ensuring the nutritional value of the food to be distributed to communities.

The city government said that the preparation and packing of cooked meals will take place at the Cookery Training Facility of the Pasig City Institute of Science and Technology in Barangay Manggahan, which will be managed by the local government’s Skills Development Office.

Aside from practical knowledge-sharing, the local government also received kitchen equipment from SOS Philippines to support the operations of the Rescue Kitchen Project in the city.

“Ang project ay pagtutulungan ng community partners at volunteers mula sa lungsod at ng SOS Philippines at private sponsors nito (The Rescue Kitchen Project is a collaborative effort among community partners and city volunteers, SOS Philippines, and its private sponsors),” the city government said.

“Ang Rescue Kitchen Project ay naging posible sa pangunguna ng Office of the City Mayor. Ito ay patunay ng maayos na pakikipag-ugnayan ng lokal na pamahalaan sa non-government organizations at pribadong sektor, tungo sa hangaring makapaglingkod at makatulong sa mamamayang Pasigueño (The Rescue Kitchen Project was made possible through the leadership of the Office of the City Mayor. It reflects the strong partnership between the local government, non-government organizations, and the private sector in their shared goal of serving and assisting Pasigueños),” it added.