On August 12, 2014, 3,852 children gained a headstart towards a better future today. In 45 schools in Negros island and Bicol, these kinder children simultaneously started a supplemental feeding program using Mingo Meals, an instant mix of rice, mongo and moringa (malunggay).

The feeding program is managed by AGAPP Foundation and funded by the Asian Development Bank through the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction. NVC serves as ground partner in Negros.

ADB’s Karin Schelzig and Madeline Dizon with some of the kids in Macario Natividad Elementary School, Barangay Gargato, Negros Occidental

Mothers are involved in the feeding program to make sure they understand the value of nutrition. Our AGAPP partner, Gel Perfecto Caguioa (in checkered shirt), helps these volunteer mothers prepare Mingo Meals for the preschoolers.

At Guinpanaad Elementary School in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, we met Teacher Jona Tan, who was a product of this same school.

Teacher Jona has designed an Adopt a Child Program in the school where each teacher identifies a child in her class who is in great need and is in danger of dropping out due to poverty, and finds ways to personally help the child.

Jona is just one of the silent heroes we’ve met in the countryside. We are truly inspired!