In celebration of Women’s Month, Eight8ate Holdings Inc. reaffirmed its commitment to compassion, sustainability, and social responsibility through a meaningful Rescue Kitchen initiative held on March 26, 2026, in partnership with Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Philippines Inc.
Scholars of Sustenance Philippines (SOSPH) is the first food rescue organization in the Philippines dedicated to reducing both food waste and hunger. The organization collects good-quality surplus food from various food industry partners and redistributes it to communities in need.
The initiative was spearheaded by Eight8ate’s Sustainability team, bringing together 20 women employees for a cause that goes beyond corporate social responsibility—it was an act of empathy in motion.
From Preparation to Purpose
The day began at the SOS Kitchen in Quezon City, where volunteers from Eight8ate actively participated in food preparation. With hands-on involvement, the team chopped vegetables, including cabbages, and cooked hundreds of chicken fillets—transforming simple ingredients into meals filled with care and intention.
These efforts resulted in more than 300 meals, prepared for distribution to women Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at the Quezon City Jail Female Dormitory (Camp Karingal).
Extending Care Beyond the Kitchen
Following the preparation, the team proceeded to Camp Karingal, where the food distribution was conducted in an organized and secure manner, in coordination with the Quezon City Jail – Female Dormitory under the leadership of Warden JSUPT Lourvina L. Abrazado, DMS, CESE. Over 300 women PDL received meals—each serving as a reminder that they are not forgotten.
But beyond the act of giving, the experience became an opportunity for deeper understanding.
Eight8Ate representatives were given a guided tour inside the facility, revealing a progressive and humane environment designed to support rehabilitation and dignity. Among the notable facilities were an electronic court system enabling virtual hearings, a salon, classrooms, a nursery for mothers, a coffee shop, and a store showcasing handmade crafts such as bags created by the PDLs themselves.
A sustainable livelihood system is also in place. PDLs earn 40% commission per item sold, with structured compensation released monthly through a voucher-based system, promoting financial discipline and transparency. Earnings vary depending on the complexity of their work, with a baseline rate in place.
The facility also features an aquaponics project in partnership with BFAR, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and self-sufficiency. Notably, the dormitory maintains well-ventilated, organized, and even air-conditioned spaces—challenging common misconceptions about detention facilities.
Changing Perspectives, One Act at a Time
More than just a feeding program, the initiative opened eyes and hearts.
It dismantled stereotypes often associated with PDLs, revealing instead a community striving for growth, discipline, and hope. The environment inside Camp Karingal reflected order, mutual respect, and a shared goal of rebuilding lives.
As emphasized by Ms. Jem Zamora, Eight8Ate’s Head of Sustainability, initiatives like this highlight the importance of inclusive sustainability—one that does not leave anyone behind.
Sustainability with a Human Touch
Eight8ate’s Community Kitchen initiative stands as a testament to how simple acts—preparing a meal, extending time, showing kindness—can create meaningful impact.
It reinforces the company’s belief that sustainability is not only about environmental efforts, but also about uplifting communities, restoring dignity, and fostering opportunities for transformation.
Because at the heart of it all, real change begins when compassion is put into action—and when no woman is left behind.
