As implementing partners of Globe’s Hapag Movement, Ayala Foundation (AFI) and the Ateneo Center for Educational Development (ACED) team up for supplemental feeding in public schools, mainly in Quezon City.
During the pilot run of the program on World Hunger Day last May 28, 2024, volunteers delivered lectures on proper nutrition to 500 Grade 7-10 school students from Bagong Silangan High School and Judge Feliciano Belmonte Sr High School in Quezon City. Students were then given supplementary food packs containing produce directly sourced from Benguet farmers to take home to their families.
Volunteers underscored the importance of balanced meals in ensuring proper nutrition.
In the coming months, AFI and ACED will implement supplemental feeding and capacity-building training for an additional 5,000 students and 200 parents/caregivers in Metro Manila. To accomplish this, the partners will engage a total of 3,700 volunteers to conduct the training modules and repack the produce into supplementary food packs.
Studies have established that hunger and malnutrition are negatively associated with academic performance and school attendance. By helping young Filipino learners consume a more nutritious diet, the partnership aims to make a positive impact on the school performance of student beneficiaries.
“In today’s initiative and initial engagement with Ayala Foundation, we are focusing on high school students. Why are we focusing on high school students? They are nearly there — nearly able to complete their studies, nearly able to get themselves and their families out of poverty due to education — and they need all the help that we can extend to provide them the energy and nourishment to keep them going,” said ACED Director Dr. Carmela Oracion.
“Under the banner of #BrigadangAyala, we and the rest of the Ayala group seek to bring #AyalaForTheGreaterGood to places that most need help. Lagi tayong magkasama sa mga pagkakataong maglingkod sa ating mga komunidad,” shared Ayala Foundation President Tony Lambino.
AFI President Tony Lambino (fourth from Left) and ACED Director Dr. Carmela Oracion (third from left) kicked off the program’s pilot run at Bagong Silangan High School.
In just the past year, AFI has served over 4,500 children in 21 schools in Basilan and provided nutrition education sessions for their mothers and caregivers as part of the Hapag Movement. Additionally, the foundation has assisted over a thousand heads of households in community development areas with supplemental livelihood support.
“Hapag” is “table” in Filipino, symbolizing a space where families traditionally eat together and share stories, for the enrichment of mind, body, and spirit. Globe’s Hapag Movement brings together like-minded organizations and individuals to help Filipino families put food on their tables.
