Mac Florendo: A Decade of Transforming Lives Through Food Rescue and Sharing Resources

Mac Florendo is a passionate advocate for sustainability and social impact, whose work has empowered communities and transformed lives over the past decade. Born in 1995, Mac has dedicated himself to bridging the gap between surplus resources and those in need. From pioneering food rescue efforts to spearheading resource-sharing initiatives, his journey exemplifies purpose-driven action and community-building.

Early Life and Academic Foundations

Mac's passion for storytelling and advocacy can be traced back to his early years in the Philippines. Between 2011 and 2016, he pursued a degree in Mass Communication at Silliman University in Dumaguete City. This period marked the beginning of his exploration into media's potential for social good.

In 2013, Mac expanded his academic horizons as an exchange scholar at Hannam University in South Korea, where he studied Global Communication. This unique experience allowed him to engage with diverse cultural narratives and deepen his understanding of global issues. It was during these formative years that Mac's vision for meaningful community impact began to take shape, laying the groundwork for his future initiatives.

The Founding of Food Rescue Philippines

In 2015, at just 20 years old, Mac co-founded Food Rescue Philippines (formerly Food Rescue ASEAN), a non-profit organization dedicated to collecting unsold but perfectly edible food from businesses and redistributing it to those in need. Churches, shelters, and low-income families became the primary beneficiaries of this effort, which was driven by a network of volunteers and bicycle-based transportation.

Mac's inspiration for the initiative came from Boulder Food Rescue, an organization he encountered while participating in the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) in 2015. He was particularly captivated by the simplicity and sustainability of using bicycles for food collection and distribution. This innovative approach not only reduced food waste but also minimized environmental impact, fostering a low-carbon, community-centered model.

The dual mission of feeding the hungry and reducing carbon footprints became the cornerstone of Food Rescue Philippines. Over time, the initiative gained significant momentum and recognition for its impact. In 2015, it received a grant from the U.S. Mission to ASEAN under the YSEALI Seeds for the Future program. By 2017, the organization was celebrated as one of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) at the 14th TAYO Awards and was honored with the "Better World" Award by San Miguel Corporation.

Mac’s unwavering dedication earned him the title of Youth Champion for The 2030 Project: SDG2 Zero Hunger, highlighting his commitment to addressing food insecurity. In 2023, he was further recognized with the Sustainability Leadership Award in the category of Non-profit Sustainable Development Leadership, presented at a ceremony by Sustainable PH.

Expanding Horizons: GAMIT RESCUE

After nearly a decade of working in food rescue, Mac sought to broaden his impact by addressing other forms of waste and unmet community needs. In 2025, he co-founded GAMIT RESCUE—an initiative designed to redistribute reusable goods and provide essential resources to those in need. The name stands for “Give Anything Material that Inspires and Transforms.”

GAMIT RESCUE prioritizes items that have the potential to create significant change, including educational supplies, art materials, musical instruments, electronic gadgets, wheelchairs, walking canes, and other livelihood-supporting tools. These resources empower individuals by improving their education, creativity, mobility, and capacity to earn a living.

By encouraging individuals and businesses to donate surplus items, GAMIT RESCUE creates a ripple effect of generosity and sustainability. The initiative has already begun transforming lives, from equipping students with educational materials to supporting individuals with mobility challenges through the provision of assistive devices.

Continuing the Vision

Mac’s work in both Food Rescue Philippines and GAMIT RESCUE reflects his holistic approach to sustainability. Together, these initiatives address food insecurity, reduce waste, and create opportunities for underserved communities. In 2023, he also joined Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Philippines as a Food Rescue Supervisor, further deepening his role in addressing hunger and reducing food waste on a broader scale.

Through his background in media and storytelling, Mac continues to inspire others to adopt sustainable practices. His story serves as a reminder that even small actions can lead to profound, long-lasting impacts when guided by vision and persistence.

As Mac celebrates a decade of advocacy, he remains focused on the future. His goal is to expand the reach of his initiatives, build stronger networks of donors and volunteers, and empower more communities to embrace sustainability. With each step, Mac demonstrates that meaningful change is not just possible—it is achievable through dedication and collective action.