ADDRESSING HUNGER. Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon (center), with SM Foundation Assistant Vice President for Livelihood and Outreach Programs Cristina Angeles (right) and Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing Joaquin San Agustin present to the media on Monday (Feb. 19, 2024) the signed agreement for the implementation of the "Batang Busog Malusog" (BBM) program. The program seeks to help address the hunger and malnutrition among young learners in the country. (PNA photo by Wilnard Bacelonia)
MANILA – The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation (OPAPA) is poised to help address the hunger and malnutrition among young learners after signing an agreement with SM Foundation.
During the signing ceremony in Pasay City on Monday, Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon said the agreement will establish the "Batang Busog Malusog (BBM)" program, which will soon be implemented in schools in coordination with the Departments of Education and of Social Welfare and Development.
"We thought of putting up a program that will focus only on the poorest of the poor communities wherein we can provide at least a meal a day for the children," Gadon said.
The official also urged the private sector to join them in expanding the BBM Program to help more young learners.
"We are expecting, hoping that other sponsors will also adopt the program and I am very glad that SM Foundation is the very first to answer to our call," Gadon said.
SM Foundation assistant vice president for livelihood and outreach programs Cristina Angeles, meanwhile, hoped that the BBM Program will not only address immediate nutrition deficiencies but also break down barriers to education, and fostering a supportive environment for Filipino children.
"As a committed partner of the community, SM Supermalls supports public-private sector engagements such as this which highlights the need to work together in reaching more children who would otherwise be left behind," Angeles assured.
Gadon said they have already identified schools where the pilot implementation of the BBM Program will be launched soon. (PNA)
