We are here to end hunger. It is that simple. Ironically, this simplest of missions seems so hard to achieve. Or is it? What if the solution is indeed as simple as the mission statement? What if the answer lies within just one idea? What if the problem of hunger could be addressed with one simple yet powerful word? Solidarity. 

Renowned Uruguayan journalist Eduardo Hughes Galeano once said “I don’t believe in charity. I believe in solidarity… I have a lot to learn from other people.” Although a bit too radical, there is some truth to this proclamation. Charity, the voluntary act of goodwill, as much as it is noble isn’t practically sufficient on its own. Charity is a good catalyst in building the community. But sparks die out. In order to keep the flame of community accord burning, something much bigger is needed: mutual unconditional caring for everyone, by everyone. Last August 8, the people of Cordillera, as well as a multitude of geniuses from all over the country, convened and exhibited this awe-inspiring virtue of solidarity in first ever End Hunger Summit in the region.

Initiated by Noble Trends Unbound Foundation and Gawad Kalinga, the summit, through the generosity of the Benguet Provincial Government, was held at the Palispis Hall of the Benguet Provincial Capitol. The goal was to entice the people of C.A.R. to take part in the national movement of ending poverty through the already proven methods of GK’s Kusina ng Kalinga and NTU Foundation’s Hope Kitchen. It was an uplifitng day with delegates from each of the provinces of C.A.R., representative participants from multiple organizations from the private sector and NGO’s, and volunteers from Noble Trends Unbound Inc., Gawad Kalinga and Benguet State Univeristy.

Ateneo de Manila University’s President, Fr. Bienvinido Nebres, S.J. kicked off the talks in sharing his genius and discussing ADMU’s pioneering methods for hunger mitigation. He was followed by Gawad Kalinga Builders’ Institute for Local Governance Associate Director Mark Lawrence Cruz who discussed the story of GK’s Kusina ng Kalinga (KnK). Jollibee Foundation’s Marian Yanga follwed, tackling Jollibee’s Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) School Feeding Program. NTU Foundation’s Aivonn Omo also contributed her knowledge and experiences with the NTUF Hope Kitchen. Hon Herminigildo Velasco, municipal mayor of San Gabriel, La Union also contributed by sharing his experiences in tackling poverty and how to approach the hunger problem from an LGU perspective. Dr. Eden Provido, a mathematical genius of Ateneo de Manila, followed suit. The talks were concluded by Gawad Kalinga’s Patrick Doromal.

In true bayanihan spirit, beneficiaries were also given the chance to tell their stories. Estarlita Tejada, a representative for the beneficaries of Jollibee’s BLT School Feeding Program shared her inspirational story first. To talk about the NTUF Hope Kitchen, Happy Hollow Principal Gemma N. Lomboy was called to share her experiencesl. Marylin Maning of San Gabriel, La Union also contributed to the participants her heartening tale and the success of the hunger mitigation projects in her hometown.

A highlight of the day came when as a testament to solidarity, the students of Brent International School and Happy Hollow Elementary School, the former being a benefactor and the latter a beneficiary of NTUF Hope Kitchen, were asked to speak about their exposure to one another. The moment was a culmination and a proof of concept of everything that has been talked about throughout the day. The idea was that regardless of status, anybody can contribute and that everybody learn and receive in this community of interwoven individuals driven by caring and sharing. And ending hunger is as simple as that.