Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, head of the government’s Task Force on Zero Hunger, led program partners from Pilipinas Kontra Gutom and Rise Against Hunger in a food donation drive and feeding program for children three years and above in Agoncillo, Batangas on Wednesday, September 22, 2021.
Around 2,300 nutritionally at-risk children between three and six received free food packs in an effort Nograles described as “an assurance that government and the private sector are working together to fight poverty, hunger and malnutrition nationwide.”
“During this pandemic, it’s important for every family member to be healthy.”
“We all know that during this pandemic, it’s important for every family member to be healthy. The Task Force stresses the need for nutritious and affordable food and regular exercise in order to minimize the risk of disease and virus infection,” Nograles stressed.
The Malacañang official added that “we’re using the whole-of-society approach in addressing the issue of hunger and malnutrition because we need to involve as many non-government partners as possible, which resulted for example with our collaboration with Pilipinas Kontra Gutom and Rise Against Hunger.”
Joining Nograles in the turn-over of food donations were Agoncillo Mayor Atty. Daniel Reyes, Batangas 3rd District Congresswoman Ma. Theresa Collantes, National Nutrition Council Assistant Secretary and Executive Director Dr. Azucena Dayanghirang represented by the Provincial Nutrition Focal Point officer Ms. Jhonadelle Ritz Castillo, Rise Against Hunger Executive Director Jomar Fleras, Batangas Egg Producers Cooperative (BEPCO) Managing Director Cecille Virtucio, Municipal Administrator Eduardo Mendoza, Social Welfare and Development Office Head Josalyn Cortez, Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Maria Ana Magsino, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, as well as the parents of the children-beneficiaries.
Included in the packs from BEPCO were roasted egg enhanced nutribun, other small food items, and a journal which serves as a guide to parents on how to improve the nutrition of members of the family.
“The journal lists tips on how to ensure that everyone gets the right amount of nutritional requirements, especially for the young ones. It also provides information stressing the importance of the ‘First 1000 Days of Life’ up to five years old, which is a critical developmental stage in children. Nursing mothers also play a crucial role because their care and attention would determine their offspring’s physical and brain development,” the former Davao legislator explained.
“Kailangan natin magtulungan. The success of these crucial programs relies on coordinated efforts between stakeholders from government and the private sector.“
“Kailangan natin magtulungan. The success of these crucial programs relies on coordinated efforts between stakeholders from government and the private sector. We would not stop in our advocacy, education and food distribution efforts, especially during this crucial pandemic period.”
