Laki Sa Gatas in Pampanga

MANILA, Philippines - Laki sa Gatas, the nutrition education advocacy initiated by Bear Brand Powdered Milk Drink, recently went to Sta. Rita, Pampanga to educate more Filipinos about the value of proper nutrition and drinking milk.

Precious Lara Quigaman led the whole Laki Sa Gatas team in inspiring and encouraging the students, teachers, and parents of San Basilio Elementary School to practice proper nutrition and go back to the habit of drinking milk.

“Like me, anyone can make his or her dreams come true. Let’s all help our children develop a strong body and mind through good nutrition and milk drinking because iba talaga ang laki sa gatas,” said Lara.

San Basilio Elementary School Principal Emily Maninang welcomed the Laki Sa Gatas team.

“On behalf of our students, teachers, and parents, I want to thank Laki Sa Gatas for choosing our school and broadening our knowledge about nutrition and milk drinking. I hope the advocacy will continue to help more schools,” she said.

Sta. Rita Mayor Yolanda Miranda-Piñeda; School District supervisor Victoria Tayao, Ph.D; Municipal Social Welfare Development officer Cristeta Bolivar; Nestlé Philippines, Inc. regional sales manager Mogs Mejico; and Bear Brand marketing promotions and events division manager Javi Medina were likewise on hand to show their support.

The Laki Sa Gatas Central Luzon event was packed with fun-filled activities for parents and educators. It held Mothers’ and Teachers’ sessions wherein participants got to meet and speak with a licensed nutritionist about ensuring kids’ proper nutrition.

Mothers were taught how to prepare balanced meals by incorporating Go, Grow, and Glow foods in meal planning. They shared tips on making healthy, affordable meals every day and learned how drinking milk can help in supporting their children’s nutrition.

Educators, on the other hand, were trained to make their lecture on nutrition more engaging for schoolchildren. They were likewise trained how to help address malnutrition in the classes they handle.

In both sessions, the nutritionist also advised parents and teachers to encourage children get back to the habit of milk drinking. Milk has essential nutrients like Calcium and Protein that help in kids’ optimal growth. Some milk brands are also fortified with Vitamin C, Iron, and Zinc that help strengthen body resistance so kids will stay healthy.

Laki Sa Gatas believes that teaching kids proper nutrition can encourage them to practice proper nutrition and achieve their dreams. During the Kids’ session, grades two and three pupils were gathered in the school’s covered court to learn more about the importance of eating Go, Grow, and Glow foods and drinking milk.

The kids were also all treated to fun games and activities together with Kuya Benjie and Bear Brand mascots Mama Bear and Kuya Bear.

The most exciting part was when the students used their Ambition Glasses to share what they want to become when they grow up. The schoolchildren drew the profession they want to pursue in the future. Their sketches would be their reminder and inspiration to make their dreams come true.

Since 2006, Laki Sa Gatas has visited close to 3,000 public schools across the country and has reached out to almost 1.5 million kids; more than half a million moms; and thousands of teachers.