Jollibee Foundation, CGPHI partner to reduce malnutrition

MANILA, Philippines - Geothermal energy producer Chevron Geothermal Philippines Holdings, Inc. (CGPHI) has teamed up with the Jollibee Foundation, Inc. for the Busog, Lusog, Talino In-School Feeding Program in six public elementary schools around the Mak-Ban Geothermal Facility in Laguna and Batangas.

Busog, Lusog,Talino (BLT) aims to give children a better chance of coping with and staying in school by addressing their most basic need which is adequate sustenance. Select 172 undernourished grades 1 & 2 pupils will be provided with free lunch meals for 136 days or a total of eight months this school year.

Participating public elementary schools include Bitin Elementary School, Sta. Elena Elementary School, Bangyas Elementary School, Mahabang Parang Elementary School, Tamlong Elementary School, and Limao Elementary School. These schools are all situated in the three barangays that host the Mak-Ban geothermal operations in Laguna and Batangas provinces.  

BLT schools in the Mak-Ban area were chosen based on the Department of Education’s high dropout rate data, local government support, private sector partners, and the willingness to partner with the Jollibee Foundation for the program.

Unlike other feeding programs, BLT encourages parents to become involved in their children’s welfare. Under the supervision of Jollibee Foundation, UPLB Foundation and CGPHI representatives, parents will prepare BLT lunches based on a low-cost and nutritious menu within the P11.00 per child meal budget.  

Concerned parents will also attend nutrition and food safety seminars to ensure food sanitation and help them imbibe proper food handling, preparation, and administration techniques. The engagement effort enhances the project’s sustainability and increases awareness on the importance of proper nutrition particularly at home.

“Busog, Lusog, Talino exemplifies the kind of partnership that we are pleased to be part of. Companies like Jollibee and Chevron, a non-profit organization like University of the Philippines in Los Banos (UPLB) Foundation, and the government through the Department of Education along with our host local government units and communities in Mak-Ban, coming together to address the problem of malnutrition among our elementary pupils,” said Sabino Santos , CGPHI Mak-Ban asset manager.