Nograles, private sector partners bring food assistance to Bacolod

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, together with partners and representatives from Rise Against Hunger (RAH) and Pilipinas Kontra Gutom (PKG) distributed vegetables and hot meal packs to residents of Bacolod City last Monday, November 25, 2021, as part of the Duterte administration’s continuing effort to combat hunger nationwide.

Nograles, head of the government’s Zero Hunger Task Force, said that “we’re addressing the malnutrition and food security concerns of the people of Negros Occidental with speed and efficiency. This is made possible through our strengthening linkages with the private sector.”

The Malacañang official visited the NVC Production Plant in Barangay Tangub, a facility receiving assistance from the DOST in its production of Mingo complementary food as well as dehydrated fruits and vegetables.

Nograles likewise carefully observed the mobile food banking operations of NVC and led the distribution of vegetable packages afterwards to beneficiaries from Barangay Pta. Taytay with the assistance of Jomar Fleras, Executive Director of RAH.

At the Bacolod Government Center, the Cab Sec turned over 2,000 meal sets from Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen to Mayor Evelio Leonardia, City Administrator EM Ang, Councilor Renecito Novero, and several Barangay Captains. He was assisted by Marie Angeles, Executive Director of RMHC.

The free meal sets, which included crispy chicken fillet, rice and bottled water, were made possible through donations from other corporate partners: Coca-Cola Philippines, Dole Philippines, Metrobank, San Miguel Corporation and McDonald’s Philippines.

In his speech during the turnover ceremonies, Nograles cited the need for further cooperation among stakeholders in order to reach more people needful of food and nutrition all over the country.

“Kailangan natin magtulungan. Lahat kasali. Lahat kasalo. Bacolod City is yet another stop of our food assistance caravan with Task Force Zero Hunger. Our ultimate goal is to be able to say #GoodbyeGutom, especially for children who need proper feeding during this ongoing health emergency brought about by COVID-19. Rest assured that we’re accelerating our efforts and we will reach more parts of the country this year. Fighting hunger and malnutrition is a priority, and we won’t stop in our efforts,” the former legislator proclaimed.

In a local consultation event, Nograles met with Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, Mayors from nearby LGUs, Barangay Captains, officials of the Bacolod Filipino-Chinese Junior Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and officers of the Victoria’s Milling Cooperative, where they discussed both local and national issues and concerns.###