Nourishing Futures: RC Makati Celebrates Succesfull 120-Days Feeding Program in Calatagan, Batangas

Demonstrating its steadfast commitment to combating child malnutrition, RC Makati led by Pres. Keith Harrison, traveled to Calatagan, Batangas, on March 21, 2025, to witness the culmination of the club’s 120-day Feeding Program. Accompanied by PP Freddie and Jojo Borromeo, IPP Bing Matoto, and esteemed partners, the team celebrated the health and progress of 154 malnourished children from Angelita Zobel Elementary School and Balibago Elementary School. This marks the second consecutive year that these schools have been part of the club’s annual initiative, reinforcing RC Makati’s unwavering commitment to fighting child malnutrition. The feeding program, which began in October 2024, was made possible through a strong partnership with Kabisig ng Kalahi and the E. Zobel Foundation.

The formal ceremony was filled with warmth and inspiration. Pres. Keith engaged the children in a lighthearted yet meaningful message, encouraging them to embrace healthy eating habits. With a touch of humor, he told them that if they wanted to grow tall like him, they needed to eat their vegetables. He also reminded them to avoid excessive sweets and sugary drinks, emphasizing the importance of water and proper nutrition in their growth and development.

Taking the stage next, PP Freddie, chairman of the club’s Nutrition Program for over 20 years, reflected on the essence of Rotary’s mission. He described Rotary as a global fellowship that unites people from diverse backgrounds with the shared goal of uplifting communities. At the heart of this mission, he emphasized, is ensuring the health and well-being of children. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations to provide essential nutrition programs. Looking toward the future, he expressed hope that the children benefiting from this initiative would one day grow into leaders of their communities—and perhaps even future Rotarians. “The future of the Philippines is in your hands,” he told them, assuring that Rotary’s commitment to their welfare would continue in the years to come.

IPP Bing, chairman of the Last Angel Gift Giving project for this rotary year, followed with a moving account of the program’s origins. He shared the touching story behind the name “Last Angel”—inspired by a department store’s tradition of placing angel figurines on a Christmas tree for each purchased gift. At the end of the season, one angel remained, representing a child who had not received a present. A compassionate customer later returned to ensure that no child was forgotten. This powerful message, he emphasized, mirrors the heart of the Last Angel Project—to ensure that every child, even beyond the holidays, experiences joy and a sense of belonging.

The impact of the Feeding Program was evident in the testimony of the Balibago Elementary School principal, who proudly shared how the initiative had significantly reduced malnutrition rates among their students. From 134 beneficiaries last year, the number had dropped to 60 this year, with even greater improvements expected. Beyond health benefits, he highlighted how proper nutrition had positively influenced students’ academic performance, allowing them to focus better and excel in their studies.

As the program ended, the children received their final serving of milk and a nutritious meal of rice and sautéed monggo, marking the official completion of the 120-day feeding initiative. The day’s most heartwarming moment followed the distribution of gifts as part of the Last Angel Project, bringing pure joy and excitement to the children. This event in Calatagan was the final leg of the annual gift-giving program, which had touched the lives of over 3,000 children this year. Adding to the generosity, Rtn. Taba Samson donated slippers for the children, while RCM provided textbooks to both schools as part of the Books Across the Seas Program in partnership with Rex Bookstore.

Grateful for the generous support, the school principals expressed their appreciation for the books, recognizing them as valuable resources that would enhance their students’ education for years to come. To cap off the successful event, PP Freddie and Jojo Borromeo welcomed the team to their scenic rest house in Calatagan, where they enjoyed a breathtaking ocean view, a celebratory lunch, and a toast with glasses of champagne. With Calatagan marking the third successfully completed Feeding Program this year, RCM continues to reaffirm its dedication to uplifting communities through nutrition, education, and service.