The World Health Organization (WHO) clearly defined health as a state of physical, mental, and social well-being, rather than merely the absence of disease. Focusing on the physical side, there are still a few reported cases of children under 5 years old showing an abnormal growth pattern for their age. During community assessment, it was found that these children come from the poorest households and have been neglected from having proper meals, wherein their day-to-day food depends on what could be served on the table.
Determined to make a change, the Rotaract Club of Alicia, in partnership with Barangay San Pedro, launched the “Movement Against Malnutrition” (MAMa) project in August 2024. Now on its second year, the initiative continues to address the growing concern over child nutrition in the community. On October 4, 2025, during Week 2 of MAMa Year 2, the club held a program titled “Wise Plates, Happy Kids: A Mom’s Guide to Budget-Friendly Nutrition,” an umbrella activity under the main project aimed at promoting affordable and nutritious meals for families.
Mr. Prince Jay Quiling, the invited resource speaker from the Department of Health (DOH), talked about the healthy and budget-friendly Pinggang Pinoy meal with a maximum cost of 100 pesos while maximizing the available food resources at home. Also, Mr. Quiling emphasized the importance of reading nutritional labels on food packs to ensure that the mothers become more aware of what foods are best for their children.
The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are the most crucial for growth and development. Meeting their nutritional needs during this period lays the foundation for lifelong health and well-being. For many mothers, however, the challenge often lies in preparing nutritious meals on a tight budget. The program aims to empower these caring mothers with practical knowledge on how to prepare healthy, affordable food for their children — shifting the focus from “How much will it cost?” to the mantra, “You are what you eat,” because a healthy tummy means a healthy baby.
