(Photo courtesy of Sagup Negros)
BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – More than 600 families in Bacolod City benefited from over two tons of surplus food collected from vendors at the Bacolod South Public Market, also known as Libertad Public Market.
Social enterprise Sagup Negros reported Wednesday that it recovered approximately 2,065 kilograms of edible surplus food over 20 collection days, benefiting 616 families through its community pantry along Quezon Avenue in Barangay 36.
The initiative aims to reduce food waste while providing nutritious food to communities in need.
According to Sagup Negros, the recovered food also helped prevent an estimated 1,032 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions, based on an assumed emission factor of 0.50 kilograms of CO2e per kilogram of rescued food.
However, the organization clarified that the figures are estimates and do not represent independently verified emission reductions.
Sagup Negros continues to work with the Bacolod City government, through the Office of the City Administrator, to collect excess food from market vendors and distribute it to vulnerable communities.
“We’re proving that when communities work together, surplus food can become a source of nourishment instead of waste,” the organization said.
The partnership initially began in August, when approximately 622 kilograms of fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, and grocery items were recovered from Libertad Public Market, benefiting at least 40 families across three barangays.
The initiative also supports Bacolod City’s Food Waste Reduction and Sustainable Food Practices Ordinance, or City Ordinance 1144, which promotes responsible food consumption and sustainable waste management.
Through continued collaboration between local authorities, market vendors, and community organizations, the program seeks to address food insecurity while minimizing food waste.
