By Mariela Angella Oladive
Eighty-eight undernourished children in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo became the latest beneficiaries of the Mingo Nutrition Program, launched on Nov. 25 by the Negrense Volunteers for Change (NVC) Foundation in partnership with MORE Power.
The program, which addresses malnutrition in children aged 6 to 59 months, has already reached more than 700 children across 13 municipalities in the province.
The Mingo Nutrition Program provides daily meals made from rice, mung beans, and moringa (malunggay), sourced from local farmers in Negros. The initiative aims to improve children’s nutritional status and support brain development during critical growth years.
NVC Executive Director Inah Uytiepo emphasized the program’s long-term goals.
“We continuously monitor the children’s health, provide food vouchers, and offer counseling and medical support to their parents. Our goal is not just to feed them but to ensure their long-term well-being,” Uytiepo said.
MORE Electric and Power Corp. President and CEO Roel Castro praised the program’s impact, citing significant weight gain in children during a previous rollout in San Miguel, Iloilo.
“This program has an immeasurable impact, especially on a child’s brain development during crucial years. That’s why we are committed to continuing this effort,” Castro said.
To support the Sta. Barbara initiative, MORE Power pledged PHP 704,000 during the launch event.
Former Senator Franklin Drilon, a staunch advocate of the program, urged parents to actively monitor their children’s nutrition.
Dr. Wendel Marcelo of the Provincial Health Office noted that Sta. Barbara is the 12th municipality in Iloilo to benefit from the program, which has already improved the health of children in other areas.
One of the beneficiaries, 25-year-old mother Regine Tayo, expressed her gratitude.
“It’s a huge help, especially since my child is malnourished,” she said.
