Pineda Family Launches Major Feeding Initiative for San Fernando Students
The Pineda family has officially launched a comprehensive six-month feeding program aimed at supporting undernourished students in public schools across the City of San Fernando, Pampanga. This philanthropic effort, funded by renowned philanthropist Rodolfo "Tatay Bong" Pineda, seeks to enhance the health and nutritional status of young learners in the community.
Program Launch and Key Participants
At the program's inauguration, former board member and mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab represented the Pineda family, highlighting their commitment to social welfare. She was joined by businesswoman Tin Chua, with both leaders actively participating in the feeding activity by serving meals and distributing vitamins to the students. The event fostered a warm interaction with children and school staff, emphasizing community engagement.
Target Beneficiaries and Implementation Areas
The feeding program has been strategically implemented in several barangays, including:
- Sta. Lucia
- San Pedro
- San Jose
- San Juan
- Del Pilar
- Sto. Niño
Approximately 10,000 pre-school and elementary students are projected to benefit from this initiative. School administrators played a crucial role in coordinating the program and identifying beneficiaries through detailed nutritional assessments, focusing on children who are underweight or require additional nutritional support.
Nutritional Components and Meal Details
During the launch, students were provided with freshly cooked rice meals accompanied by chicken adobo as the main viand, prepared by a local kitchen to ensure quality and freshness. In addition to the meals, chewable gummy vitamins were distributed to help boost the children's daily nutrient intake, addressing both immediate and long-term health needs.
Program Goals and Schedule
Cayabyab emphasized that the primary objectives of the program are to assist children in gaining weight, improving their overall health, and enhancing their academic performance. She noted that proper nutrition is fundamental to learning and holistic development. Under this program, students will receive free meals at least twice a week, with the schedule tailored to accommodate different class sessions:
- Students attending morning classes will be fed before they head home.
- Pupils in the afternoon session will receive their meals prior to the start of classes.
Monitoring and Broader Impact
The feeding program is set to run for six months, during which the children's progress will be closely monitored. School officials will conduct regular checks on weight and overall health to track improvements and adjust support as needed. This initiative is part of a larger project by the Pineda family, which also supports similar feeding programs in other towns across Pampanga, demonstrating a sustained commitment to combating malnutrition and fostering community well-being.
