MEGA Prime Foods Inc. (MPFI) is gearing up for another year as it continues its impactful Mega Bigay Sustansya (MBS) program that kicked-off on October 18.
This year MPFI through the Mega Tiu Lim Foundation (MTLF) carries with it symbolic partnerships with organizations and government agencies who support the same advocacy of helping solve the age-old problem of malnutrition among Filipino children.
MPFI has solidified key partnerships through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), instrumental in advancing the MBS program’s multifaceted objectives in targeted communities. Notably, one significant MoU was established with Reach Out and Feed Philippines, Inc. (ROFP), a long-standing partner responsible for program facilitation.
Concurrently, the Department of Education Region 8 (DepEd R8), Department of Education Region 4A (DepEd R4A) and European Chamber of Commerce through MOSEP for BARMM play vital roles in beneficiary identification, school and stakeholder coordination, and program-related facilitation. While their roles are technically similar, they are specific to target schools in their respective regions. DepEd R8, DepEd R4A and ECCP, alongside ROFP, work closely with MPFI, demonstrating a shared commitment to improving the nutrition of Filipino children and communities.
MPFI has also partnered with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), a collaboration that started last year. DOST-FNRI plays a crucial role in guiding the development of the 120-day, once-a-day meal plan, which incorporates MEGA sardines as the primary protein source for identified beneficiaries. They assess these meals according to nutritional guidelines and provide a structure for 16 training activities aimed at educating parents, teachers, and children about nutrition. While ROFP handles meal development, DOST-FNRI’s expertise ensures the meals meet nutritional standards.
These synergistic partnerships are set to enrich nutrition and empower communities in the specified regions.
Since its inception in 2019, this sustainable nutrition initiative has been meticulously crafted to empower Filipino families with the essential knowledge and resources necessary to ensure optimal nutrition for their children. As a prominent provider of high-quality and affordable food products, MPFI remains loyal in its dedication to enhancing the health and well-being of Filipino households through the enduring MBS program.
Data from the 2013 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) revealed that 29% of children aged 5–10 years were considered underweight. This prevalence is significantly lower compared to 2011 (32.0%). However, it is still considered a public health problem.
The survey also noted that the proportion of overweight and obese children increased by 1.7 percentage points from 2011 (7.4%) to 2013 (9.1%). The same nutritional indicators says energy and micronutrient intakes among school children are inadequate were also studied by the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) in 2021.
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