Every child deserves a healthy start in life. In Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI), together with the local government unit are stepping up to address child nutrition and care by working with families and the community to give young children a better chance at a healthy future. 

This commitment came to life during the community launch of Saktong Nutrisyon sa Bag-ong Henerasyon, an initiative that empowers families and strengthens early childhood nutrition for children aged 0 to 5. The community gathered together with a shared goal of building a nutrition-aware, food-secure, and thriving Mambaling. The event, attended by parents, day care learners, community volunteers, and partners, was marked by a lively parade, community performances, and messages of support. It reflected the strong collective will of the community to put children’s well-being at the center of action. 

Saktong Nutrisyon sa Bag-ong Henerasyon 

During the project presentation prior to the community launch, Barangay Nutrition Action Officer of Mambaling, Edwil Managbanag, shared the urgency of addressing malnutrition in the community. “Malnutrition here is serious. On a scale of one to ten, it is already around eight. The lack of cooperation at home affects children. We see the results every day. It is not just numbers, it is lives,” he said. Recognizing this reality, the barangay initiated two community-based projects under the initiative which are, Nutribright and Pamilya Ko, Responsable Ko, to directly respond to the needs of families and young children. 

Under Pamilya Ko, Responsable Ko, families take part in nutrition information drives and the formation of a breastfeeding support group. Parents and caregivers also join workshops on hygiene, early illness detection, and daily health routines to help create safer and healthier home environments for young children. 

Meanwhile, Nutribright focuses on strengthening children’s nutrition through nutrition education classes and a 120-day feeding program. The program provides structured feeding sessions while guiding parents and caregivers on proper meal preparation and balanced nutrition. Children’s growth is monitored to help track progress and support timely interventions. 

The success of the launch was made possible through the support of local leaders and partners who share the commitment to improve early childhood nutrition in the community. RAFI continues to advocate for early childhood care and nutrition as part of its work with communities. 

Through Saktong Nutrisyon sa Bag-ong Henerasyon, RAFI and Barangay Mambaling take an important step toward ensuring that every child gets the healthy start they deserve. By working together as families, community volunteers, and partners, Mambaling is building the foundations for a stronger, healthier generation, one child at a time.