Missionaries to bring fortified rice meals to Siargao kids

A group of missionaries would conduct a feeding program for the children of Siargao Island to address malnutrition in some of its municipalities and fishing villages.

Risen Savior Missions, a US-based charitable group, would feed at least 1,840 children with scientifically-formulated “Manna Pack,” a fortified rice mixed with chicken, eggs, ground pork, fish, malunggay, and other vegetables.

According to the organization's representative to the Philippines, Wilfredo Valencia, the feeding program will be conducted at least thrice a week for the next four months starting August 12.

Partnering with the office Surigao Del Norte Representative Francisco Matugas, the group will feed children in the municipalities of General Luna, Socorro, Dapa, Del Carmen, San Isidro, Burgos, Sta. Mocia and San Benito.

The feeding program, dubbed as "Himsog na Bata, Bagtik na Siargaonon" and launched in 2016, aims to reduce cases of malnourishment among the children in the province, especially those from two to six-years-old.

The Siargao feeding program partnership came before President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law Republic Act No. 11037 or the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act.

The law, signed on June 20, calls for the establishment of a national feeding program for undernourished children in public day care centers, kindergarten, and elementary schools.

“As we prepare for food security and the development of Siargao, it is also paramount that we address malnourishment in our communities to ensure our children’s ability to grow healthy and to succeed in their studies. They are the future of the island, after all,” Matugas said.  —Anna Felicia Bajo/NB, GMA News