Archdiocese launches its Hapag-asa feeding program
SAN FABIAN–In response to the prevailing problem of hunger and malnutrition among children aged six months to six years old, the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan Ministry of Social Action (MISA) embarked on a holistic feeding program in some parishes in the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan.
The project is being undertaken in partnership with Hapag-asa, an integrated Nutrition Program connected with the Church-based Pondo ng Pinoy of the Archdiocese of Manila and Assisi Foundation and Feed the Children Philippines.
The participating parishes are: St. Fabian, Pope and Martyr, in San Fabian; St. John the Evangelist, Dagupan City; Annunciation of the Lord in Bonuan Gueset, Dagupan City; St. Ildephonse, Malasiqui; Holy Cross, Laoac; St. Dominic, San Carlos; and Epiphany of our Lord, Lingayen.
HAPAG-ASA
The Hapag-Asa Integrated Feeding Program, launched in July 2006 by Archbishop Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, aims to develop the ‘culture of sharing and loving’ as demonstrated in the Miracle of the Multiplication of loaves and fish (Mt. 14:13-21) to children, their families and communities.
The feeding component targets to reduce malnutrition prevalence rate among 0 to 12 years old children while helping to improve the capacity of parents to care and provide for basic needs of their children.
The program feeds 6 months to 12-year-old undernourished children in the community once a day, five days a week for six months. Each meal is enriched with Vitamins and Minerals through the addition of Vitameal a mixture of rice and lentil.
Michelle A. Vallejos, the Barangay Program Coordinator, said the other components which are vital to the success of the program are the “Parents’ Education Classes” and the “Livelihood and Skills Training”.
The seminars cover topics on affective parenting, livelihood and skills training; health and nutrition; values formation; and responsible parenthood.
The Hapag-Asa Integrated Feeding Program has been implemented in 836 parishes all over the Philippines as of November 2010. It has served 128,104 children.–Shirley Tersol
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