Two barangays in Laguna were the latest recipients of the Okada Foundation Inc.’s food share program.
BENEFICIARIES of the Okada Foundation Inc.'s food share program in Laguna.
Sixty families were named beneficiaries at the program’s recent launching ceremony.
The program is an initiative sponsored by OFI, with P25 million pledged for its nationwide reach through its partnership with the prominent non-government organization Kabisig ng Kalahi (KnK).
The program, according to OFI President James Lorenza, was established to “address concerns and improve the condition of food security, nutrition, and livelihood opportunities starting on the community-level.”
OFI worked with Barangays La Mesa in Calamba City and Diezmo in Cabuyao City as well as the local social welfare and development and agriculture offices and several other private agencies to identify beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries received rice and their local public libraries received a donation of books for day-care-aged children and adults from OFI and KnK.
The chairmen of the two barangays thanked OFI for extending the program to their communities.
KnK founder Vicky Wieneke said her organization is happy to work with OFI in establishing the program in different parts of the country. “Kabisig is happy to have OFI as a partner that is focused on nation-building,” said Wieneke.
She urged beneficiaries to be patient and consistent in their efforts with the program’s community garden, which will eventually reward them with “food, nutrition, and even additional income.”
Lorenzana emphasized the importance of cooperation between public and private organizations to “make efforts like the food share program successful and effective.”
“Ultimately, OFI, through the food share program, wants to impart a sense of empowerment and encouragement to its beneficiaries,” said Lorenzana.
“That’s why this initiative places a significant emphasis on the ‘pledge-to-work system’ that is focused on our beneficiaries being self-reliant; learning skills, and applying those same skills to grow food and even establish an extra source of income,” he added.
“OFI and its partners deeply hope that our beneficiaries make the most out of this opportunity,” Lorenzana said, “so they may cultivate a brighter future for their families and communities.”