'Laki sa Gatas' holds big event in Laguna

MANILA, Philippines - Nutrition education advocacy “Laki sa Gatas” continues to educate Filipinos about the value of proper nutrition and milk drinking as it recently visited Calamba Elementary School II in Calamba, Laguna for its Southern Luzon big event.

Miss International 2005 and Laki sa Gatas advocate Precious Lara Quigaman shared her inspiring story to the students, parents, and educators who participated in the event’s sessions.

“I wouldn’t be able to achieve my dream of becoming a beauty queen if my parents didn’t tell me to believe in myself and advise me to eat right and drink milk. These have helped me get to where I am right now. Iba talaga ang laki sa gatas,” she said.

Quigaman and the whole Laki sa Gatas contingent were welcomed by Calamba West District supervisor Yolanda Nazareth and the students and teachers of Calamba Elementary School II.

Master teacher Juliana Cansanay, president of the teachers’ association, and Benjamin Borbe, Nestlé Philippines Inc. regional sales manager SL1, were also there to support the event.

Initiated by Bear Brand Powdered Milk Drink, Laki sa Gatas visits different public elementary schools nationwide to inculcate among Filipinos the value of good nutrition and regular milk drinking.

Encouraging kids to dream

Bear Brand Laki sa Gatas believes that proper nutrition can help children achieve their dreams and ambitions. This is why in its Kids’ Session, participants are treated to an hour of games, storytelling, and other exciting activities that are meant to teach good nutrition and milk drinking.

The Kids’ Session was led by Kuya Benjie who taught the pupils the value of having Go, Grow, and Glow foods in their diet and drinking two glasses of milk every day.

Bear Brand mascots Mama Bear and Kuya Bear also joined the fun as they danced and entertained the children.

The most interesting part of the Kids’ Session was when the children draw the profession they want to pursue someday using the materials inside their “Ambition Glasses.”

The kids’ drawings will serve as their reminder and inspiration to stay healthy and study hard so they can achieve their dreams.

Ensuring kids’ proper nutrition

Bear Brand Laki sa Gatas likewise held a Mothers’ Session wherein the participants were taught how to include Go, Grow, and Glow foods in their families’ diet.

A licensed nutritionist gave mothers tips on how to prepare healthy and affordable dishes so their kids can get the nutrients they need for optimal growth.

Parents were also encouraged to give their children at least two glasses of milk every day to support their nutrition. Milk is an excellent source of key nutrients like calcium and protein that help kids develop strong bones and muscles.

Along with a healthy diet, drinking milk can also help children strengthen their body resistance to fight off sickness as some milk brands are fortified with vitamin C, zinc, and iron, important resistance-building nutrients.

At the end of the Mothers’ Session, the parents recited the Pledge of Love stating their love to their children and commitment to helping them achieve their dreams through proper nutrition.

Since its establishment in 2006, Laki sa Gatas has visited almost 3,000 public elementary schools nationwide and has reached out to close to 1.5 million pupils, more than half a million mothers, and thousands of teachers.