ASA Philippines pledges ₱121.8M for massive school feeding program

ASA Philippines Foundation, a leading microfinance institution dedicated to poverty alleviation, has pledged ₱121.8 million to fund a major expansion of its flagship “Sustansya at Pag-ASA” Child Nutrition Program. Now in full swing, the 120-day community and school-based feeding initiative is providing daily nutritious meals to more than 30,000 undernourished children, and is on its way to reaching 41,000 beneficiaries across 35 provinces and nearly 300 public schools.

This year’s rollout marks the largest feeding effort in the foundation’s history and builds on the program’s strong rehabilitation track record . Since 2021, the program has brought 62% of its 22,848 young beneficiaries to normal nutritional status.

“Breaking the cycle of poverty takes more than access to capital – it requires a deep commitment to the well-being of the next generation,” said Rapa Lopa, President and CEO of ASA Philippines Foundation, during the launch of its nutrition and education programs. “When a child is nourished, they’re not just healthier – they have a better chance to learn, become productive citizens, and eventually rise out of poverty. This program is ASA’s humble investment in the future.”

This year’s cycle places community ownership and local food systems at the center of its approach. To promote sustainability and dietary diversity, the program prioritizes the local procurement of fresh produce from smallholder farmers. Complementing this, parents and community volunteers will take active roles in meal preparation, food distribution, and monitoring the children’s nutritional progress, which helps reinforce positive nutrition practices at home.

By addressing the persistent challenge of malnutrition—identified as “very high” in severity by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI)—the program aims to improve child health, boost academic performance, and tackle a critical barrier to future economic opportunity. This effort aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of achieving Zero Hunger and underscores ASA Philippines’ integrated approach to development.

The Child Nutrition Program is one of the cornerstones of a pledge made by the late Ambassador Howard Dee, who championed increasing ASA’s poverty alleviation annual budget to P1 billion. This fund supports strategic social investments to assist the country’s most vulnerable through interventions in education, nutrition, health, environment and livelihood.

Ambassador and ASA Philippines chairman Jose L. Cuisia and Board of Trustee Richard Dee, who heads ASA’ Poverty Alleviation Committee, attended the ceremonial launch held last June 30.