RC Makati Launches Complementary Feeding Program in Tanay, Rizal

The Rotary Club of Makati, through its Family Health & Nutrition Committee led by Chairman PP Freddie Borromeo, rolled out another six-month school-based Complementary Feeding Program at Rawang Elementary School in Tanay, Rizal on September 30, 2025. Conducted in partnership with Kabisig ng Kalahi, the project will provide 60 malnourished children aged 6–12 with a daily glass of milk for 120 days to help improve their health and development.

Representing the club at the launch were Pres. Eddie Galvez, PP Freddie and Jojo Borromeo, Dir. Michael Hsu, PP Junjun Dayrit, Dir. Patrick & Mitzi Parungao, Dir. CB & Meg Rivilla, Rtn. Chito & Vicky Cantada, Rtn. Yaron & Grace Hahami, and Rtns. Boy Arteche, Aiai Galvez, and Wash Lou. Also present was Ms. Vicky Wieneke, President of Kabisig ng Kalahi.

Ms. Vicky opened the program by sharing a progress report on the Complementary Nutrition Program (CNP) previously conducted at the same school with RC Makati’s support. The initiative provided milk supplements over 120 feeding days and focused on improving the well-being of 60 children identified as undernourished through school health screenings.

The results were encouraging:

• 54 of the 60 children showed marked improvement in their health, with 25 restored to normal nutritional status.

• Five students dropped out and one transferred due to economic challenges.

• Orientation sessions helped parents better understand the program’s value.

• Regular health checks showed notable progress in the children’s energy, learning readiness, and participation in school activities.

While issues such as absenteeism sometimes disrupted the feeding schedule, the program highlighted how collaboration among schools, parents, and community partners can transform young lives through proper nutrition.

In his remarks, Pres. Eddie stressed the importance of good nutrition in children’s education and development. He expressed admiration for the parents who braved the bad weather and rough roads to attend the launch, reminding them that today’s children represent the country’s hope for a better future.

PP Freddie spoke about “passing on the kindness” and urged everyone to continue RC Makati’s mission of improving children’s health. He thanked the local government for supporting the initiative and cited past successes where severely undernourished children recovered within six months of the program. He encouraged families to keep preparing affordable, nutritious meals to sustain this progress.

Dir. Michael added a warm and lighthearted note, calling the children “special” and saying he hoped they would grow strong and healthy enough to someday dunk a basketball. He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve them again.

The partnership was formally sealed with a ceremonial signing, followed by the symbolic serving of the day’s meal. The Anns ladled steaming porridge with egg into bowls and poured glasses of milk, which Rotarians personally handed to the children.

In addition to the feeding launch, RC Makati donated 200 books through the Books Across the Seas program, copies of Beware the Snake — a children’s storybook on personal safety and rights donated by Ann Angela Garcia, and pairs of slippers courtesy of Rtn. Taba Samson. The school also received a ₱25,000 check from PP Freddie Borromeo, who had chosen the school as the beneficiary of his prize for being “Best Dressed Rotarian of the Night” during the Club’s 2024 Christmas Party.

Rawang Elementary School expressed its gratitude by presenting certificates of recognition to RC Makati and its partners. Teachers shared how the initiative not only nourishes children physically but also inspires them to keep attending school and striving for a brighter future.

This project is RC Makati’s second official feeding initiative for the Rotary Year. Earlier, on September 10, the club launched a similar program at Capt. H. Francisco Elementary School, also with Kabisig ng Kalahi, benefitting 70 undernourished children with daily meals and milk for 120 days. Since the program’s inception in 2004, it has supported 6,901 children across 230 modules.

The launch concluded with a hearty lunch at Balanga Seafood Restaurant in Pililia, Rizal, hosted by President Eddie Galvez and complemented by PP Freddie Borromeo’s signature lechon — a fitting end to a day dedicated to service and fellowship.