Overview
Mapúa University contributes to the achievement of Zero Hunger by supporting food security, sustainable agriculture, responsible food sourcing, affordable and nutritious food access, and community development initiatives. Through community gardening programs, local procurement practices, healthy campus food services, and outreach activities, the University promotes sustainable food systems and strengthens food accessibility for both campus and local communities.
Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture
Distribution of Urban Gardening Materials for Community Food Production
Mapúa University, through its Office for Social Orientation and Community Involvement Programs (SOCIP), provides support for community-based food security and sustainable agriculture initiatives.
Urban Gardening Support Program
Between December 9–13, 2024 and March 13–19, 2025, the University distributed urban gardening materials to community residents in Pandacan, Manila to support food production, community gardening, and local greening initiatives.
The distributions included:
- 2,500 Pandakaki plants
- 2,500 Buenavista plants
- 1,000 sacks of garden soil
- 2,500 circular plant pots
- 450 rectangular plant pots
The initiative strengthened residents’ access to gardening resources and promoted community participation in sustainable food production and environmental stewardship.
Sustainable Food Procurement
Local and Sustainability-Screened Procurement
Mapúa University promotes sustainable purchasing practices through procurement processes that incorporate environmental, social, economic, and ethical considerations.
According to the University’s sustainability reporting, approximately 99% of procurement expenditures for significant operations were allocated to suppliers operating within the Philippines in both 2024 and 2025.
Supplier accreditation processes require compliance with sustainability standards covering:
- Environmental responsibility
- Ethical business practices
- Social responsibility
- Sustainable operations
These measures support local economic development while encouraging responsible and sustainable sourcing practices.
Campus Canteen Local-Produce Purchasing Requirement
Mapúa University promotes local food sourcing through institutional requirements imposed on campus food concessionaires.
University canteen operators are required to procure food ingredients from local farmers, producers, and suppliers whenever possible.
Covered food products include:
- Meat products
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Other food ingredients
Concessionaires are also required to submit supplier information and procurement records to support institutional oversight of local sourcing practices.
This approach strengthens local food systems, supports local agricultural producers, and reduces supply-chain distances for campus food services.
Healthy and Affordable Food Access
Campus Canteen Healthy and Affordable Food Provision
Mapúa University provides students and employees with access to healthy, affordable, and nutritionally balanced food options through its campus food facilities and concessionaires.
Campus food outlets operate for approximately 11 hours daily, excluding Sundays and holidays, providing access to:
- Breakfast meals
- Lunch meals
- Dinner meals
- Snacks
- Fruits
- Beverages
Food offerings are designed to provide affordable and nutritionally balanced options that support the health and well-being of students and employees.
The availability of accessible food services helps reduce barriers to food access within the University community.
Food Access Support for Students and Employees
Staff Food Access Intervention
Mapúa University supports food accessibility for employees through campus dining facilities that provide affordable and nutritious food options.
Employees have access to food and beverage services through:
- Main university canteens
- Campus food stalls
- Accredited food concessionaires
Available food options include:
- Affordable meals
- Nutritious meal choices
- Breakfast offerings
- Lunch and dinner meals
- Snacks and beverages
These services contribute to food security and support employee well-being by ensuring convenient access to daily food needs while on campus.
Community Food Security and Sustainable Development
Mapúa University recognizes that food security extends beyond the campus environment and forms part of broader community development and sustainability efforts.
Through the combined efforts of:
- Office for Social Orientation and Community Involvement Programs (SOCIP)
- Campus food service providers
- Local suppliers and producers
- Community stakeholders
The University supports initiatives that:
- Improve food accessibility
- Promote sustainable agriculture
- Encourage community gardening
- Strengthening local food production systems
- Support local farmers and producers
- Provide nutritious and affordable food options
These initiatives contribute to SDG 2 by promoting sustainable food systems, improving access to food resources, supporting local agricultural development, and strengthening community food security.