Stories of inspiration

Nourishing Communities, Strengthening Networks: Nutrition Month with a Cross-Program Collaboration

Food and Nutrition Security, Maging Priority! Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin! — this year’s battle cry for Nutrition Month echoed with deep sincerity through the halls of the Clark Training Center in Pampanga as Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. (PSFI), together with its partners and implementers, brought together communities for a meaningful celebration on July 29, 2025.

The 2025 Nutrition Month celebration, part of the Roots to Shoots (RTS) initiative which began in July 2023, marked its second year of empowering families and nurturing healthier communities. This year, the celebration was more than just about food—it was a convergence of expertise, creativity, and public health.

With activities that blended entertainment and education, the highlight contests—Cooking Contest, Nutri-Costume, and Nutri-Quiz—brought out the spirit of fun and learning. Families proudly presented their nutritious dishes under the theme “Masustansiyang Pagkain para sa Pamilyang Pinoy, Ating Ihain,” while children charmed the crowd in their colorful, food-inspired costumes. Meanwhile, three bright pupils of Family Care Center emerged as winners of the Nutri-Quiz game, showcasing their growing knowledge of health and nutrition.

Held at the Clark Training Center, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, the half-day event ran from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NN, kicking off with heartfelt opening and support messages, followed by learning sessions, contests, and a community lunch to cap off the celebration.

The program officially opened with remarks from Michelle Jeanne Calica, Senior Program Officer of PSFI, setting the tone for a collaborative and community-centered day. Messages of support followed from Armin David Rivera, Capacity Building Officer II of Clark Development Corporation (CDC), and Ms. Ma. Angelica Aquino, Program Officer of Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. (BCFI)—both emphasizing the importance of sustained, multi-sectoral efforts in addressing food and nutrition insecurity.

The event was attended by community members from Barangay Sto. Niño and Barangay San Vicente in Bamban, as well as Barangay Calumpang and Barangay Marcos Village in Mabalacat City; along with teachers, parents, and children from Family Care Center – Sto. Niño. The celebration was made possible through the collaborative efforts of PSFI and its valued partners: Manila Water Foundation, Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. (BCFI), Clark Development Corporation (CDC), LGU Bamban – Municipal Health Office, LGU Mabalacat City – City Nutrition Office, and the National Nutrition Council – Region III.

A learning session led by a representative from the National Nutrition Council underlined the theme by reaffirming that nutrition is not merely a need—but a right that everyone deserves access to.

The celebration also underscored the program’s multi-sectoral approach by integrating key components such as WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), MCC (Mother and Child Care), and FSL (Food Security and Livelihood) into the RTS framework. These pillars work in harmony to uplift the overall health, dignity, and resilience of families—ensuring that access to clean water, maternal and child wellness, and sustainable food systems are prioritized alongside nutrition. This holistic integration brings to life the very spirit of this year’s theme.

Judging from the energy of the crowd, the joy on the children’s faces, and the aroma of nutritious food lovingly prepared, the day was a resounding success. The winning cooking team from Barangay Sto. Niño shared,“Masaya ang naging experience naming lahat ngayong araw. Sana ay mas marami pa ang maabot ng inyong programa,” expressing their joy and gratitude for the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned.

The event concluded with heartfelt messages from Ms. Dyan Jasmine Manguerra, City Nutrition Action Officer of LGU Mabalacat City, and Ms. Joana Marie Pobre, Municipal Nutrition Action Officer of LGU Bamban. Both emphasized their unwavering support for RTS and issued a strong call to action to further strengthen nutrition initiatives within their municipalities.

The day ended with group photos and a shared meal—a symbolic and literal feast that captured the essence of community, partnership, and the shared commitment to building a nourished and healthier future for all.

Related stories:

Roots to Shoots SACOBIA: Growing Food, Growing Futures in Bamban

With support from Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. (BCFI), Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) is helping communities in Bamban, Tarlac grow more than vegetables through the Roots to Shoots SACOBIA Program by cultivating food security, healthier lifestyles, and hands-on learning through school gardens.

PSFI and SPC Support Brigada Eskwela Through Bayanihan Bulilit in Pasacao

Through the Bayanihan Bulilit initiative, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC), and volunteers from the Shell Pasacao Terminal joined community partners to prepare Child Development Centers in Pasacao, Camarines Sur for the new school year. The collective effort provided learning materials, improved classroom facilities, and created better learning environments for 243 young learners.

Makulay Dahil Bahagi Ka: When Representation Opens Doors and Saves Lives

This Pride Month, PSFI celebrates Basha Cancillar, a community leader whose journey from a young volunteer to an HIV advocate is helping create safer, more inclusive spaces for people affected by and living with HIV. Through PROTECTS UPSCALE and partnerships with community organizations, Basha champions representation, dignity, and access to healthcare, proving that when people are seen, heard, and empowered, lives can be transformed.

More Than a Reunion: Celebrating Four Decades of the SKIL Legacy

More than four decades after receiving the opportunity to build their futures through the SKIL Program, alumni from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao came together to celebrate a legacy of transformation, achievement, and service. Their stories stand as a testament to the enduring power of education, skills development, and the belief that true success is measured not only by what we achieve, but by how we help others succeed.

Project PASA Strengthens Sustainability and Community Impact Through MOA Signing

Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), Shell Business Operations Manila, and Shell Pilipinas Corporation formalized their partnership for Project PASA (Passing Along Sustainably used Assets), an initiative that gives used furniture, mobile devices, and equipment a second life. Through the partnership, pre-loved assets are redirected to underserved communities, advancing sustainability, circularity, and social impact by ensuring valuable resources continue creating opportunities where they are needed most.

Makulay Dahil Bahagi Ka: How Joan dela Cerna is Building a Future Rooted in Care

After years of working abroad to provide for her family, Joan dela Cerna returned home with a renewed determination to build a future closer to her children. Through the Medical Scholarship Program (MSP) supported by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. (BCFI), she is pursuing her dream of becoming a caregiver while balancing her roles as a mother, student, and breadwinner. Her story is a reminder that when people are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute, they can create meaningful change for themselves, their families, and their communities.