ILOILO CITY – Volunteer-based non-government organization Angat Buhay on Saturday, Sept. 3, launched the “Angat Bukas: Lusog, Galing, Sigla” convergence program in Janiuay, Iloilo.
Angat Bukas is set to feed 200 undernourished students in Iloilo.
Angat Buhay Board of Trustee Camille Genuino said that Janiuay was chosen as the pilot area after Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor raised the concern over the impact of malnourishment to the academic learning of students.
Under the Angat Bukas program, feeding undernourished children will keep them in school and improve their academic standing.
The program will source out ingredients from local farmers while mothers and other volunteers will prepare the food.
Defensor said that if it is successful in Janiuay, the program will be replicated in other towns in the third district.
Also present during the launching were Mayor Paul Parian of Janiuay, Mayor Suzette Mamon of Badiangan, and Iloilo Provincial Board Members Jason Gonzales and Matt Palabrica.
The Angat Bukas program is backed by the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), local governments, and local volunteer groups.
Angat Buhay was founded by former Vice President Leni Robredo.