MANILA, PHILIPPINES — A sustainable future in the Philippines shines brightly through the partnership of Allianz PNB Life and Scholars of Sustenance PH (SOS PH). The joint effort is symbolized by the unveiling of “KaGat,” the Allianz-SOS PH food truck leading sustainability efforts in food rescue. “KaGat” means ‘bite’ in Filipino—which reflects their unwavering dedication to taking a substantial “bite” out of food waste and hunger.
The turnover of the Allianz-SOS PH food truck was a heartwarming event marked by warm smiles and heartfelt banter. Distinguished figures from Allianz, including Board Member Renate Wagner, Allianz Asia Pacific Regional CEO Anusha Thavarajah, and Allianz PNB Life President and CEO Joe Gross, joined SOS PH’s Director of Operations, Arthur Bitagcol, to celebrate this transformative partnership. SOS PH has already rescued a staggering 148,728 kilograms of surplus food, translating into 625,300 meals and a remarkable 6 million tons of carbon reduction. This impact was recognized during the Zero Summit by SOS PH’s Director of Operations, Arthur Bitagcol.
Gino Riola, Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer of Allianz PNB Life, shared his insights on the partnership at the Zero Summit, where Allianz was presented with an award as one of the pioneers of food security and sustainability in the country, “We partnered with SOS Philippines because we believe in the power of relevance and impact. When our Thai colleagues introduced us to this incredible organization, it felt like a perfect fit. We met, and the decision to collaborate was instant.
Our inspiration to sponsor the SOS PH Food Truck is rooted in the idea that together, we can do more. The simplicity of addressing transportation challenges in food distribution struck us. The pandemic highlighted this need. I’ve seen the truck, visited our warehouse, and met the drivers, each with inspiring stories. The solution is often found in the simplest things. It’s right there, waiting for action.”
The Allianz-SOS PH partnership represents a beacon of hope in the fight against food waste and hunger, that impactful change can start with a single “bite” and a shared commitment to sustainability.
