"Ako para sa batang pinoy movement" 4,500 children undergo feeding for six months

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — An initial batch of 4,500 children, aged zero to 12 years, from 16 schools in this city were beneficiaries of a feeding program conducted by the Ako Para Sa Batang Pinoy Movement.

The Ako Para sa Batang Pinoy Movement and its 6-month feeding program was launched last Oct. 21 at the Bacolod City National High School.

It was led by Ako Para Sa Batang Pinoy chairperson Jewel May Lobaton-Pimentel, a Bacoleña and wife of Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III with Bacolod Rep. Anthony Golez.

Pimentel said the beneficiaries will be provided with nutritious drink for six months, from Mondays to Fridays, with their respective schools serving as feeding centers.

The feeding program targets Filipino children in their most important formative period, or the ages from zero to 12 years, she said.

Parents of beneficiary children thanked the Movement for ensuring that their children get access to highly nutritious drink specially formulated by Coca-Cola and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

"Like a child taking his or her first step, the Ako Para Sa Batang Pinoy is looking ahead to transform this feeding program into a nationwide endeavor with the help of the private and public sectors," Pimentel said.

Pimentel, a mother of two kids aged seven and two, cited studies that a person's total development takes place during the first six years of life, thus the importance of ensuring proper nutrition, family support and a safe and happy environment during the period.

Also present at the launching were Coca-Cola Philippines director for public affairs and communications JB Baylon, Department of Health division chief Sophia Pulmones, DSWD officials, and principals of various schools in the city.

With them were PBA basketball players of Ginebra, San Miguel and Powerade teams who led the children in 15-minute aerobic and dance activities under the program, WHIZ (Witty, Healthy, Intelligent and Zesty) Kid's Hour.

Pimentel also said the launch was timely as October is National Children's Month. Their programs would eventually cover the ages seven and up, specifically by helping poor Filipino families through livelihood programs that would help ensure there will always be food on the table for all family members, especially children.

"Malnutrition now affects more Filipino children than before. A study shows the proportion of underweight Filipino children increased by 1.6 percent between 2003 and 2006. If we talk about millions of people, that 1.6 percent equates to the low million mark," she said. — (FREEMAN)