Mega Prime Foods Inc. (MPFI) is strengthening its Mega Bigay Sustansya (MBS) program that aims to help solve the problem of malnutrition among Filipino children.
The MPFI, through the Mega Tiu Lim Foundation (MTLF), solidified key partnerships through the signing of memoranda of understanding with stakeholders such as with Reach Out and Feed Philippines Inc. (ROFP).
The Department of Education-Region 8, Department of Education-Region 4A, and the European Chamber of Commerce through the Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress for the Bangsamoro likewise play vital roles in beneficiary identification, school and stakeholder coordination, and program-related facilitation.
(From left) ECCP Vice President Helen Baisa, DOST-FNRI chief science research specialist Dr. Milflor Gonzalez, MFPI chief development and growth officer Marvin Tiu Lim-Chan, Reach Out Feed Philippines founder Dawn Cabigon, Deped Region 8 Director Evelyn Fetalvero and Deped Region 4A Partnership Program Focal Wilbert Ulpindo
MPFI has also partnered with the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute for the development of the 120-day, once-a-day meal plan, which incorporates MEGA sardines as the primary protein source for identified beneficiaries.
Through the partnership, the stakeholders assess the meals according to nutritional guidelines and provide a structure for 16 training activities aimed at educating parents, teachers, and children about nutrition.
While ROFP handles meal development, DOST-FNRI’s expertise ensures the meals meet nutritional standards.
Data from the 2013 National Nutrition Survey showed that 29 percent of Filipino children aged 5–10 years were considered underweight.
The survey also noted the proportion of overweight and obese children increased by 1.7 percentage points from 2011 (7.4 percent) to 2013 (9.1 percent).
The same nutritional indicators showed energy and micronutrient intakes among school children were inadequate.
MPFI’s Mega Bigay Sustansya 2023 addresses this critical issue by enhancing the program to benefit school children.
“We recognize that proper nutrition and education are deeply interconnected. Well-fed children can focus on their studies more effectively, leading to better information absorption and overall academic performance. This is especially significant as we partner with DepEd to fortify this vital connection,” MPFI said.
The cornerstone of the program will be the School-Based Feeding initiative, spanning 120 days and reaching elementary schools in Sto. Tomas, Batangas; Quezon (Lucena, Sariaya, Caluag); Tacloban (Tacloban City, Tanauan, Ormoc); and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
This program will cater to children aged 6 to 12 by delivering nutritious meals underpinned by brands like Mega Sardines, Mega Tuna, and Mega Prime Quality.
