A carefully planned and compassion-driven Feeding and Gift-Giving Initiative was conducted at Mandurriao Elementary School–Calahunan Extension in Iloilo City under the leadership of Dr. Rollin Tabuena. Conceived in response to the nutritional and psychosocial needs of young learners, the initiative aimed to promote early childhood health while fostering a strong sense of care, inclusion, and community solidarity. The activity was made possible through a meaningful partnership with Asclepius Med Lab, whose support was instrumental in bringing the program to fruition.
At the core of the initiative was a structured feeding program that provided nutritious meals to kindergarten pupils, highlighting the vital role of proper nutrition in supporting growth, learning readiness, and overall well-being. This was complemented by a gift-giving activity, during which the children received simple yet thoughtful tokens that sparked excitement and reinforced positive emotional connections with their school and the wider community.
The successful implementation of the event was anchored on close collaboration with the school. Ms. Faye Nimbra, school-in-charge, provided guidance and oversight to ensure alignment with school policies and learner needs, while Ms. Cherry Ann Catalogo, kindergarten adviser, played a key role in preparing the pupils and facilitating their active participation in a safe and child-friendly environment. The program was further enlivened by Jamaica M. Transmonte, whose energetic and engaging hosting kept the children joyful, attentive, and enthusiastic throughout the activity.
Beyond the meals and gifts distributed, the initiative conveyed a deeper message — that the community stands united in nurturing and uplifting its children. The Feeding and Gift-Giving Initiative not only addressed immediate needs but also strengthened partnerships among health advocates, private institutions, and the education sector, leaving a lasting impression of hope, compassion, and shared responsibility within the Calahunan Extension community.
