In a concerted effort to contribute towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 and 3, the University of the East (UE) and the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) have marked a decade of success with their Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP). This 12-year partnership has positively influenced the health and well-being of 60,000 schoolchildren across Eastern Luzon.
Dr. Zosimo Battad, UE president, emphasized that the partnership was established to address malnutrition and enhance the overall development of young learners by providing nutritious meals. He highlighted that using carabao’s milk in the program significantly invests in children’s development.
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to sustainable community development and demonstrates the essential role of academic and governmental institutions in addressing social issues,” said President Battad.
Dr. Rogelio Espiritu, UE’s director of the Office of Extension and Community Outreach, revealed that the university allocates PHP135,000 annually for the SFP, with a total expenditure of PHP1.6 million since 2012. The program is currently implemented in Laguna, Bataan, Bulacan, and Cavite.
“Our experts validated the benefits of carabao’s milk, confirming its positive impact on young learners’ development. We then integrated it into our extension program,” Dr. Espiritu noted.
UE also monitors the academic progress of beneficiaries through collaboration with school heads and local health offices. The program’s success has been recognized internationally, with awards presented in Malaysia and Indonesia.
UE, DA-PCC, and the City of Cabuyao, Laguna, signed a Memorandum of Agreement to extend the SFP to local schoolchildren on September 17, 2024. The event featured the distribution of 60,000 packs of sterilized milk to kindergartens, with plans to continue for 120 days.
Mayor Dennis Hain strongly supported the initiative, stating, “The city is committed to reducing or eliminating child malnutrition in Cabuyao. Our partnership with both private and public sectors is crucial, particularly in providing technical expertise.”
