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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Health and Wellness devider ASA Philippines strengthens 'Sustansya at Pag-Asa' program to combat child malnutrition

ASA Philippines strengthens 'Sustansya at Pag-Asa' program to combat child malnutrition

By MBrand
Published Nov 25, 2025 05:58 pm
ASA Philippines staff and Nanay volunteers distribute nutritious food to students of Dalahican Elementary School in Cavite under the “Sustansya at Pag-Asa” Child Nutrition Program.
ASA Philippines staff and Nanay volunteers distribute nutritious food to students of Dalahican Elementary School in Cavite under the “Sustansya at Pag-Asa” Child Nutrition Program.

More than 42,000 undernourished children across the country are receiving daily nutritious meals thanks to ASA Philippines Foundation’s flagship “Sustansya at Pag-ASA” Child Nutrition Program. Backed by a PHP 121.8 million investment, the 120-day community and school-based feeding initiative is being implemented in nearly 300 public schools across 34 provinces.

Launched in partnership with Hapag-Asa, the program aims to help fight child malnutrition and support the government’s Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger.

“This program is ASA’s humble investment in the future,” said Rapa Lopa, President and CEO of ASA Philippines Foundation. “When a child is nourished, they’re not just healthier – they have a better chance to learn, become productive citizens, and eventually rise out of poverty.”

The initiative comes at a critical time. In the 2025 Global Hunger Index, the Philippines ranked 66th out of 123 countries, with a high stunting rate of 27.7% among children under five—well above the global average of 22.3%.

In response, ASA Philippines increased its investment to expand Sustansya at Pag-ASA, making the latest cycle that began last June 30 its largest feeding initiative to date.
Since its launch in 2021, the program has been a model of community-led action, with parents, teachers, and volunteers taking active roles in meal preparation, food distribution, and monitoring children’s progress.
Beyond feeding, ASA’s program promotes local food sustainability. Fresh produce and supplies are purchased weekly from municipal farmers and vendors, supporting local livelihoods and encouraging families to adopt positive nutrition practices at home.
The Child Nutrition Program is one of the key initiatives under ASA’s ₱1-billion annual social investment commitment, originally pledged by its late founder, Ambassador Howard Dee, to uplift vulnerable Filipino communities through long-term programs in nutrition, education, health, environment, and livelihood
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