Hapag-asa, feeding children with hope for a better future

MALNOURISHED children can now look forward to a hearty meal and balanced diet to nourish their frail bodies.

An integrated nutrition program for the poor and malnourished children dubbed HAPAG-ASA was launched by Pondo ng Pinoy Community Foundation just recently.

The program has two major components: supplemental feeding and education classes.

The feeding program targets malnourished children between 6 to 12 years old. Each child enrolled in the program is given Vitameal-enriched meals. This is a scientifically prepared rice and lentil meal filled with protein, calcium, iron, vitamins and minerals. Local ingredients, such as rice, chicken, and potatoes are mixed with the food to make it more appealing and palatable to children.

Consisting of 120 feeding sessions, the children are fed once a day, five days a week for six months.

According to nutrition experts this regimen will reverse the devastating effects of malnutrition on children. Although brain damage caused by malnutrition is irreversible, the nutritious meal however, will restore the children’s health and give them a future.

HAPAG-ASA aims to feed 120,000 malnourished children nationwide. Around 50,000 are currently enrolled under the program.

The first batch of 120,000 children was enrolled in 2005. It saved around 76,000 from malnutrition and health-related illnesses.

Although admittedly small in scope in the face of millions of children experiencing hunger in the country today, HAPAG-ASA, nonetheless acts as a beacon of hope to the country’s hungry children.

Studies by Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) showed that 3 out of 10 Filipino children, ages 0 to 5 years are suffering from chronic malnutrition.

The program is currently being implemented in the Archdiocese of Manila, dioceses of Kalookan, Pasig, Novaliches, Cubao, Daet, Paranaque, San Pablo, Antipolo, Imus, Puerto Princesa, Malolos, and in 20 other dioceses in the provinces.

Non-government organizations (NGOs), foundations and local government units (LGUs) have likewise took the cause and adopted the program.

Meanwhile, parents of malnourished children are also beneficiaries of the program in the form of education classes. Seminars on topics of Spiritual/Value formation, Health and Nutrition, Natural Family Planning (NFP) methods, and livelihood/skills training are given to parents to equip them with skills that would help improve their lives.

Pondo ng Pinoy is circulating a poster to create greater public awareness on the program. The campaign poster features the famous “Hapag ng Pag-asa” painting of Mr. Joey Velasco accompanied by a bible verse: “For I was hungry and you gave me food…” (Mt. 25:35).