Pizza Hut, Taco Bell team up for World Hunger Relief

MANILA, Philippines – Shamcey Supsup has joined the United Nations  in its call and efforts to fight world hunger as the Miss Universe 2011 3rd runner-up appealed to Filipino patrons of two restaurant chains to help feed starving children in Mindanao.

Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up and UN World Food Programme volunteer Shamcey Supsup poses with Stephen Anderson, director of the hunger relief effort in the Philippines, during a press conference held Wednesday launching World Hunger Relief 2012

Pizza Hut and Taco Bell Philippines launched Wednesday its World Hunger Relief 2012 campaign, which aims to alleviate hunger and under-nutrition in parts of Mindanao.

The local relief campaign is in partnership with the UN World Food Programme, which Supsup has volunteered for.

"I'm very happy to be part of this cause," Supsup told reporters during a press conference held on Wednesday’s campaign launch.

"I'm from Mindanao, and they're helping a lot of children there, especially in Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao, and North Cotabato," added the beauty queen, who was born in Iligan City.

Mom's story

Growing up, Supsup recounted, her mom would relate to her their struggles "to look for food, to have an allowance."

"My mom's story was also about being part of those underprivileged children, and she came from Basilan, Zamboanga. She always tells me the story of how hard it was to have an education," Supsup said.

"She would tell me sometimes she would make homeworks of some of her classmates, so they would give her some of their food, so that's how hard it was there," she added.

With the help of educational scholarships at the time, Supsup's mother managed to finish her studies, eventually earning a degree as a civil engineer.

"I've always had strong conviction when it comes to education. I've always said that it was education that brought my family out of poverty," Supsup said.

"'Yung mga batang naghihirap minsan hindi na nila nakikita 'yung importansya kung bakit kailangan pa nilang mag-aral, kasi ang una nilang hahanapin ay 'yung basic needs, which are food and shelter," she added.

Taking part

Inviting others to join her cause, Supsup detailed the means to participate in Pizza Hut and Taco Bell's World Hunger Relief 2012 campaign.

According to Supsup, purchasing any of the three limited edition Christmas postcards featuring the Miss Universe runner-up will contribute to the fund-raising efforts. Likewise, Filipino patrons can donate through the coinbanks found at all Pizza Hut and Taco Bell branches nationwide.

For its part, Taco Bell will set aside P10 for every WFP Combo Meal availed of by its customers. Lastly, Supsup also encouraged patrons of both restaurants to leave amounts of P5, P10, or P20 to their bill.