Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, together with private sector partners from Pilipinas Kontra Gutom and Rise Against Hunger, distributed free food packs to residents of Marawi City and Lanao del Sur on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 as part of the Duterte administration’s nationwide effort to fight hunger, poverty and child malnutrition.
Lanao del Sur is among the 32 priority provinces included in the Zero Hunger Task Force which Nograles heads.
“We’re going around the country with PKG and RAH not only to bring food and hope to local residents. We’re also strengthening our network of cooperation with LGUs and linking them with the private sector so that we can fight hunger together, especially for the sake of our children.
Pilipinas Kontra Gutom (PKG) and Rise Against Hunger (RAH) are both composed of individuals and organizations from the private sector. They have thrown full support to the government’s drive to provide nutritious food and related aid to needy families throughout the country.
More than 3,000 individuals received free hot meals from Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Another 300 persons were recipients of Rise Against Hunger food packages.
“Covid-19 has heightened the need to address hunger and poverty, that’s why our national food caravan exists to remedy the situation through close partnerships between government and the private sector,” Nograles said.
An initial batch of 2,100 food packages were turned over to Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra, Chief-of-Staff Mic Gandamra-Taib, City Administrator Sultan Camid Gandamra, Sr., city government officials and staff.
The Malacañang official likewise proceeded to the Lanao del Sur Provincial Capitol and gave away another 1,065 hot meals and 300 food packs to Governor Mamintal Adiong, Jr., Deputy Speaker Zia Alonto Adiong, provincial government officials and capitol employees.
“This advocacy is gaining momentum and we will not stop until we all make a positive difference in the lives of our countrymen.”
Nograles was assisted during the visit by Marie Angeles, RMHC Executive Director; Fe Gerona, Managing Director, World Wide Gourmet. Inc.; Ronald Atanacio, McDonald’s Public Affairs Manager; Elmer Delen, RMHC Programs Assistant and Jomar Fleras, RAH Executive Director.
The free hot meals, which included crispy chicken fillet, rice and bottled water, were prepared by McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen and made possible through the efforts of RMHC, Metrobank, Coca-Cola Philippines, Dole Philippines, San Miguel Corporation and McDonald’s Philippines.
“We’re going around the country with PKG and RAH not only to bring food and hope to local residents. We’re also strengthening our network of cooperation with LGUs and linking them with the private sector so that we can fight hunger together, especially for the sake of our children. Kailangan natin magtulungan. This advocacy is gaining momentum and we will not stop until we all make a positive difference in the lives of our countrymen,” the former Davao legislator stressed.