Acclaimed Filipino chef and culinary advocate Chef Tatung has once again proven that food is not just about flavor, but also about creating impact and building communities. His flagship digital platform, Simpol, earned prestigious recognition at the 21st Philippine Quill Awards, winning under the Social Media and Digital Communication/Communication for the Web categories for its highly impactful campaign, “Gulay vs. Goolai: Educating Homemakers About Alternative Sources of Nutrition.”
Originally launched in 2022, the campaign was created to help Filipino homemakers cope with the rising cost of food sources during the pandemic while still providing nutritious meals for their families. Through engaging content distributed on social media, it successfully reached over 123,000 people and generated more than 4,000 engagements in just two months.
In its return, “Gulay vs. Goolai” took on an even bigger purpose—aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). The campaign sought not only to educate but also to empower homemakers by creating a community where they can share practical tips, meal ideas, and experiences on how to stretch their budgets without sacrificing nutrition.
For Chef Tatung, the recognition is more than an award—it is a validation of his lifelong advocacy.
“In Simpol, we believe cooking must be simple, especially when you pour your heart into it,” he shared. “As a Filipino chef, it brings me great joy that I could encourage homemakers to create meals with alternative healthy and affordable ingredients for their families. I am deeply empowered to build a community of resilient and resourceful Filipino homemakers through this collective movement, while supporting a cause that can benefit millions.”
The campaign’s relevance remains undeniable. Based on data from the World Food Programme (WFP) Philippines, one out of ten Filipino households remains food insecure, with more than half of their monthly income going to food. Rising inflation and food prices continue to pose challenges, making initiatives like “Gulay vs. Goolai” a vital resource for many Filipino families.
With this recognition from the Philippine Quill Awards, Chef Tatung and Simpol continue their mission of empowering Filipinos with knowledge, community, and hope—one simple but meaningful meal at a time.