ILOILO – Sixty-five malnourished children, aged six to 59 months from Barangay Agcalaga, Calinog, Iloilo, received assistance from the Mingo Meals for Nutrition Program.
The ceremonial turnover of Mingo Meals to the beneficiaries’ parents took place at Calinog town’s astrodome on the morning of Oct. 18.
Dr. Wendel Tupas-Marcelo of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) explained the choice of Calinog, revealing that many of the town’s children were underweight and malnourished.
“Among the criteria were high malnutrition rates in terms of underweight, wasting, and stunting. The local government also fully committed its support to the program,” he told Panay News.
The beneficiaries were given a one-year supply of ready-to-eat Mingo meals, containing monggo, rice, and malunggay.
This initiative was brought about by the non-government organization Negrense Volunteers for Change (NVC) Foundation Inc., in collaboration with Daewoo Philippines and the Iloilo provincial government.
Marcelo said the program’s Level 2 implementation includes quarterly assemblies for medical check-ups, weight and height measurements, and food exchange.
Before Calinog, NVC had assisted malnourished children in Badiangan, Lemery, and Carles, with the towns of Janiuay, Maasin, and Leon up next.
At the Calinog initiative, dignitaries at the turnover included former senator Franklin Drilon, Mayor Francisco Calvo, Provincial Health Office head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region 6 acting manager Engr. Jonel B. Borres, and representatives from NVC and Daewoo Philippines.
Drilon highlighted the national emergency of malnutrition, emphasizing the mission of Mingo Meals to counteract child stunting. He remarked on the alarming daily toll of child deaths due to malnutrition and emphasized the long-term consequences of stunting.
Daewoo Philippines, represented by Yongoo Lee, Wonmoo Sim, and Hyunruk Deo, donated P1 million for the Mingo Meals.
In expressing gratitude to NVC and Daewoo Philippines, Drilon also stressed the national need for such programs. Mayor Calvo voiced hope for an even broader reach, wishing for the inclusion of more children in the feeding initiative.
NVC president, Millie Kilayko, shared their ambition to bolster the provincial government’s fight against malnutrition.
NVC’s study indicated the program’s success, with an 83% success rate over its 11-year implementation and an 11% success rate for the yet-to-conclude Level 2.
A beneficiary’s parent, Arlene Bernizo-Petalgo, expressed gratitude for the meals, recognizing the profound impact on impoverished families.
The World Food Day, observed every Oct. 16, promotes hunger combat awareness and encourages future food-centric actions./PN
