Hapag Movement graduates 1st batch of trainees

A total of 100 women from disadvantaged communities celebrated a major milestone in their journey toward financial stability and independence as they became the first batch of graduates from the livelihood program of the Globe-led Hapag Movement.

The Hapag Movement is Globe’s and its partners’ unified fight against involuntary hunger, aiming to provide support for 500,000 Filipinos through tech-driven channels. A crucial part of it is livelihood training, which empowers Filipinos with relevant skills that will allow them to create sustainable income sources. The training program complements the supplemental feeding program in a 12-week engagement that will be done with various communities nationwide.

In a special ceremony held recently in Quezon City, the pioneer batch was recognized by Globe, the Ayala Foundation, and partner organization Virlanie Foundation.

The graduates came from partner communities at the Manila North Cemetery, Parola, Rolling Hills and Bagong Silangan in Quezon City. They were enrolled in various programs including beauty care, baking, food processing, rags making and sewing, and mushroom and urban gardening.

“The Hapag Movement is an important initiative for Globe, as it not only helps to address hunger in the Philippines, but it also empowers communities to be self-sufficient through key skills and training. We look forward to continuing to support our fellow Filipinos as they build a sustainable livelihood for themselves and their families,” said Apple Evangelista, Head of Sustainability and Social Responsibility at Globe.

During the ceremony, the graduates showcased and sold some of their products, including macaroons, banana bread, banana muffins, chocolate chip cookies, rags, potholders, and custom-designed tote bags. As proud GCash users, they are also able to conduct cashless transactions.

Beauty care graduates even volunteered to style and help each other with their makeup in preparation for the ceremony.

The program achieved several milestones, including improving product quality, reducing competition among members, adjusting prices to be more competitive, and helping communities become formal cooperatives.