SINGAPORE and PHILIPPINES – As an industry leader that puts people and human quality of life in focus, User Experience Researchers (USER) carried out two initiatives to help alleviate hunger and preserve the environment under their USER Cares program this month of November 2024 in Singapore and the Philippines.
On November 9, USER-Singapore held a beach cleanup activity with PSALT Care, Ltd. at the Pasir Ris Park Area 2 in Singapore. USER-Philippines, together with HOPE worldwide Philippines joined hands in a heartwarming initiative to combat malnutrition and hunger among underprivileged communities in a feeding program held last November 23, 2024, at Payatas, Quezon City, Philippines.
Dubbed “USER Cares: Sparkling Seashores” and “USER Cares: Serve Hope in Packs,” the events were successfully conducted by volunteer employees from USER and personnel from the two movement groups. The activities showed what the power of collaboration can do to help in preserving the environment and providing a beacon of hope and support to people in need.
Simple acts can save the Earth
Volunteers from USER and PSALT Care, Ltd. took their cleanup gear and headed towards one of Singapore’s most popular beaches in Serangoon Harbour for the cleanup effort in early November. Around 15 volunteers picked up trash and other waste scattered in the sands and surrounding areas.
“It’s inevitable that small pieces of trash can drift and accumulate in places like beaches. We hope our modest efforts in helping maintain cleanliness in Singapore’s nature preserves, given the country’s delicate environmental balance, can contribute to establishing good practices in our communities. This is to minimise waste accumulation and promote environmental awareness,” said Tina Orge, USER Head for Project Delivery.
The event was followed by an outreach event in the Philippines later in the month.
Reaching out to communities in need
During the Serve HOPE in Packs event, 30 volunteers from USER and social welfare workers from Hope Worldwide PH prepared freshly cooked meals according to the latter organisation’s standards and distributed the packed meals directly to beneficiaries gathered from the area. The distribution was carried out in three ways: on-site distribution, satellite distribution in the local health centre, and house-to-house drop offs for select beneficiaries.
The volunteers also shared some hearty laughs and a cheerful time interacting and with the beneficiary children, most of which do not receive ample nutrition and food supplies due to poverty.
“This initiative from USER is more than just providing food—it’s about connecting communities through compassion and meaningful experiences for both our employees and the beneficiary communities. It’s a reminder that we all share the same world, and it would bring a better tomorrow to be able to help those in need even in the simplest of ways,” said Kathy Soriano, Head of Human Resources for USER’s Philippines branch.
“We are thankful for the help and cooperation with USER in addressing hunger in the Payatas locale. It was a wonderful opportunity seeing the technology community participate in this endeavour as hunger is still a pressing problem in many areas of the country. We hope more organisations and businesses join in the fight against hunger in the future,” said teacher Karine Paduganan from Hope Worldwide Philippines.
The feeding program was a testament to the power of unity and shared humanity, leaving a lasting impact on the volunteers and the community alike.
About the USER Cares program
USER through its USER Cares program aims to provide various services to promote health and wellness, community service, and humanity-focused acts that benefit the company’s employees as well as the families and communities surrounding each branch office. This is the company’s first round of activities that touched on volunteerism for environmental and social causes.
In the past few years, USER Cares included programs for mental health wellness, fitness, and stress management. The company aims to expand the USER Cares program further with more activities that benefit communities not only in the Philippines but also in its main office in Singapore, and across its branch countries in Vietnam, China, and Japan.
About PSALT Care Ltd.
PSALT Care is a charity organisation that supports and sustains persons with diagnosed addiction challenges and mental health disorders in their recovery journey. The group guides and supports its members as they undergo medication and therapy, as well as group support sessions and education.
About HOPE worldwide Philippines
HOPE worldwide Philippines, Inc. is a long-standing advocate for underserved communities since 1993. It is a non-profit, non-government, faith-based charity that has been caring for needy children and youth and currently implements a system of child welfare and protection system through its community and centre-based programs in the largest urban poor communities within Metro Manila and the Visayas Region.
About USER Experience Researchers Pte. Ltd.
USER is a leading UX-focused company specialising in digital transformation consultancy, enterprise solutions, and resource augmentation. We have a steadfast commitment to innovating the best of today’s technology to promote sustainable growth for businesses and industries.
