One hundred seven (107) previously malnourished students of Hulo Elementary School in Pillila, Rizal; Bagbaguin Elementary School in Meycauayan City, Bulacan; Lucban Elementary School-2 in Lucban, Quezon; and Tagaran Elementary School in Cauayan City, Isabela, are now in good health. Over a six-month period, the children were provided with nutritional meals during school days, and their health condition was monitored with the assistance of the Department of Education and MDFI partner Kabisig ng Kalahi.

MDFI’s KidSigla feeding program enables children to overcome poor health, malnutrition and hunger, helping them maintain regular school attendance and focus on their studies.

Volunteers of MDFI, with the assistance of District IV SK Federation of Quezon City, assisted some 750 families severely affected by a huge fire that broke out last March 20 in Brgy. Damayan Lagi. Purified drinking water was distributed to the affected families to help alleviate the acute water crisis.

MDFI’s Operation Bigay Lunas provided free medical consultations, medicines and various health services to 19,495 constituents of Muntinlupa City; Pateros; San Mateo, Rizal; Antipolo City; Calamba City; San Miguel, Bulacan; Legazpi City; Malasiqui, Pangasinan; Cebu City and Dipolog City in a simultaneous outreach on March 1, 2019.

MDFI brought 18 wards of St. Maria de Mattias Center to Enchanted Kingdom today to experience its wonders. The activity is part of MDFI’s Share Joy program which helps enrich the lives of orphans and underprivileged children by providing opportunities for these children to experience educational entertainment in play cities, museums and theme parks.

The Pinit tribal community of Brgy. Ocampo in Camarines Sur received today their own potable water system from MDFI through its Operation Pa-Tubig program, in partnership with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). Around 120 households of Agtas, a group of indigenous people, will benefit from the water system. These households used to rely on unprotected water wells for their daily water needs, with women and children relied upon to fetch the water. With 15 tap stands installed strategically within their barangay, the households can now conveniently access clean water anytime and the women and children can concentrate on household and school activities. PBSP, the Pinit tribal council and Ocampo LGU assisted in the turnover of the water system.

MDFI turned over today to Lumad residents of Brgy. Dologon in Maramag, Bukidnon their own potable water system. MDFI and Philippine Business for Social Progress led the turnover ceremony, assisted by the local government unit and tribal leaders of Man-ahoy. Prior to the turnover, the tribe performed a ritual called “Panandig Hu Kaulo Wahig,” which translates to “permission to use the water source,” at the same time asking for forgiveness because of the harm they may have inflicted Mother Nature in constructing the water system. A tree planting activity preceded the turnover as part of the tribal rituals of thanksgiving and show of efforts and commitment to nurture the natural resources. The Lumad youth participated by performing a dance during the turnover. The Level 2 water system will benefit over 50 households, expected to be joined by more nomad families who have expressed the intent to permanently stay in the community, now that there is a stable supply of clean water.

Barangay Buhisan, Cebu City receives today a water system that will provide at least 160 households with safe potable water. Installed with the help of Philippine Business for Social Progress and the local government unit, the MDFI-funded water system will enable the benefited households to uplift their lives, prevent water-borne diseases and promote proper hygiene. The beneficiaries said that they will also be able to save money for other household concerns as they will not pay for water by container anymore. Kabyawan Farmers Association will take the lead in managing the water system.