TARLAC CITY, Tarlac — In a move to address childhood undernutrition, the new “Kusina ng Kalinga” was officially inaugurated at San Manuel Elementary School on June 11, in a ceremony that also saw the distribution of school kits to learners.
The project aims to improve in-school nutrition and health, particularly for students who are underweight or severely wasted. Through the facility, the continuous preparation and serving of nutritious meals for children will be ensured.
The initiative was led by Governor Christian Yap, in partnership with Vice Governor Lita Aquino and the school administration, to guarantee that no student is left behind in terms of health and education.
Mayor Susan Yap, who attended the event, highlighted the children’s vitality and the broader reach of the feeding program.
“Andito po tayo ngayon dahil sa iba’t-ibang bagay. Ang San Manuel po, ang isa sa kauna-unahang tinayuan natin ng Kusina ng Kalinga, mga magulang. Ito po ay magsisilbi bilang centralized kitchen kung saan po ang mga batang kulang—yung tinatawag nating wasted at severely wasted, kulang sa timbang. Ay papakainin po natin for 120 days.“
“Hot meals po yan. Gusto ko matatangkad, malulusog ang mga bata. Kaya ito po, ang Kusina ng Kalinga po, isa doon sa unang tatlo nating pinatayo,” she added.
Mayor Yap further clarified that the feeding program is not limited only to students of San Manuel Elementary School. Nearby schools will also benefit, as meals will be cooked at the centralized kitchen and then picked up by the respective schools.
School officials expressed optimism that the centralized kitchen will help students gain sufficient energy, improve their physical well-being, and create better opportunities for them to study well.
The school described the day as joyful and positive for San Manuel Elementary School. Through nutritious food, the school aims to help students gain sufficient energy, improve their physical well-being, and create better opportunities for them to study well.
The Kusina ng Kalinga is expected to serve as a model for other schools in the province, reinforcing the local government’s commitment to child health and education.
