On June 7, 2025, twelve days of learning, dedication, and community effort came to a meaningful close as the Positive Deviance/Hearth (PDH) Cycle 2 Hub 4 program successfully concluded its nutrition sessions in Sitio Calapi, Brgy Calumpang, Mabalacat City, Pampanga. This initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing child malnutrition through localized and sustainable practices.
The activity is part of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.’s (PSFI) Roots to Shoots (RTS) program, implemented by World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. (WVDF) under its Mother and Child Care (MCC) program. It also aligns with PSFI’s broader community development goals, which include strong support for health and nutrition interventions through its corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Community-Led Monitoring and Celebration
Caregivers, children, community health workers, and local volunteers came together for the culminating activity. The day began with a nutritional status check, where children were reweighed, their height and weight recorded, and their Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measured using standard nutrition assessment tools. These indicators are crucial for monitoring progress in children’s nutritional health.
After the assessment, children were served meals from the PD Hearth menu, prepared by caregivers using affordable and locally sourced ingredients. This reinforced the program’s goal of encouraging families to adopt sustainable and culturally appropriate feeding practices at home.
Celebrating Small Wins with Big Meaning
To recognize the children’s participation and progress, ribbons were awarded to those who completed the program, maintained perfect attendance, or showed notable weight gain. All participating children received simple gifts as tokens of encouragement and appreciation.
The event concluded with a communal meal that brought together families and local stakeholders. More than a celebration, it served as a moment of unity and shared purpose, strengthening bonds and highlighting the impact of collective action in addressing malnutrition.
Why This Matters
The PDH initiative under the Roots to Shoots project demonstrates a powerful, community-based model for improving child nutrition. By identifying and replicating positive feeding practices already present within the community, the program empowers families to create lasting change using accessible and sustainable methods.
The successful completion of PDH Cycle 2 Hub 4 in Sitio Calapi, Bamban, Tarlac reflects the continued commitment of PSFI and WVDF to improve child health outcomes through education, empowerment, and strong community partnerships.
