We just concluded our annual Global Month of Good (GMOG) this April — a month-long initiative dedicated to uplifting the communities it serves. This year marks 15 years of celebrating GMOG globally, reinforcing Starbucks' ongoing commitment to making a meaningful impact in our communities. This year, Starbucks partners (employees), along with different organizations engaged in impactful initiatives focused on youth education, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment, leaving a lasting positive impact.
“At Starbucks, we’ve always believed in being more than just a company that serves coffee,” said Noey Lopez, president of Starbucks Philippines. “Global Month of Good is one of the many initiatives we support each year, but our dedication to uplifting communities goes far beyond that. It’s a continuous, year-round effort—driven by the passion of our partner volunteers to make a meaningful difference.”
HOPE x Gawad Kalinga ARAL Youth Assembly
We've continued our long-standing partnership with Gawad Kalinga through the ARAL (Advancement in Reading and Learning) Program. This vital program – which is supported by a Global Community Impact Grant from The Starbucks Foundation – engages students with reading sessions and provides mini-libraries, equipping them with greater access to books and essential skills for future success.
In April, Starbucks volunteers facilitated engaging games and provided nutritious snacks for graduates of Gawad Kalinga’s 12-week ARAL program, celebrating their achievements and inspiring them to continue their educational journey. In addition, a one-day leadership and empowerment Youth Assembly was held in the classrooms that Gawad Kalinga has built with HOPE Foundation in under-resourced areas across the country – General Santos (H.N. Cahlisot Central Elementary School), Davao (LT.C. Villafuerte Elementary School), Pampanga (Archbishop Emilio Cinense Elementary School), and Bulacan (Bulualto Elementary School), impacting 200 students in these communities.
AquaTower Installation
In partnership with Planet Water Foundation and The Starbucks Foundation, we've installed our 8th AquaTower in Pili West Central School, Camarines Sur, Naga. This initiative provides access to safe, clean drinking water and handwashing stations for approximately 1,800 people in the community, promoting health and hygiene, and contributing to a more sustainable future. In addition to the tower installation, Starbucks volunteers also led hygiene education activities with the students. Watch the video here.
Store Artists' Art Workshops
Starbucks store artists Anina Rubio, Tara Soriano, Aze Ong, and Alab Pagarigan led a series of inspiring art workshops at Starbucks Abad Santos Community Store, mentoring 40 youth participants from nonprofit partner organizations AHA! Learning Center, Young Focus, and Mano Amiga, alongside Starbucks partners. These workshops provided a platform for creative expression, fostering a sense of community and connection, and empowering individuals to explore their artistic talents. Watch the compilation of workshop videos here.
This year's Global Month of Good saw volunteering by over a hundred passionate partners from across the Philippines, demonstrating the collective power of individuals working together to create positive change.
