In line with its mission to enrich lives and build communities, Security Bank partnered with International Care Ministries (ICM) and Rise Against Hunger Philippines for the “Hope Begins with a Meal Food Packing” activity on June 1-2, 2023. Over 130 Security Bank employees and Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) scholars volunteered to pack over 6,000 meal kits for over 30,000 improverished individuals across the Visayas region. Meal packs comprised of formulated, ready-to-cook rice-soy food and which has a shelf life of up to two years.
The two-day Corporate Social Responsiblity (CSR) event kicked off the Bank’s 72nd anniversary month, with gamified activities during the packing sessions to keep volunteers engaged. Security Bank’s EVP and CFO, Eduardo Olbes, and President & CEO, Sanjiv Vohra were present at the activity. “Enriching lives and building communities is a significant part of our Bank’s mission. Over the years, we have partnered with International Care Ministries and Rise Against Hunger Philippines on disaster initiatives, such as home building and livelihood programs. Much appreciation goes out to our diverse group of employee volunteers who helped with the food-packing activity. We were very excited to support this initiative and hoped to have made an impact in our own humble way,” said Tanya Ansaldo-Deakin, VP and Corporate Communications & Brand Head.
“International Care Ministries thanks Security Bank for its commitment to reducing poverty by supporting the initiatives of ICM. Bayanihan, a culture of communal unity, was evident as the volunteers enthusiastically packaged the meals intended for the ultra-poor communities of ICM. This monumental two-day event, which kicked off the bank’s anniversary festivities, was a resounding success,” said Weng S. Kakilala, MC, Senior Director-Donor Relations of International Care Ministries Philippines.
The meal packs delivered to the Bank’s partners in Iloilo, Cebu, and Puerto Princesa for distribution to calamity-hit communities. “Rise Against Hunger Philippines is pleased to partner with Security Bank in our mission to end hunger,” said Jomar Fleras, Executive Director of Rise Against Hunger Philippines. “The nutritious meal packs that your volunteers packaged will help ultra-poor families during these difficult times. Mabuhay kayo!”
Over the years, Security Bank has worked with ICM and Rise Against Hunger Philippines on worthwhile disaster resilience initiatives, including helping victims of Typhoons Odette and Paeng in Bohol and Aklan get back on their feet through home-building and livelihood programs. The Bank also assisted families from ICM’s communities in Iloilo in 2021 through its first “Virtual Run for a Cause.”