Nutripan Expands in North Mindanao

By: April San Sebastian

With the goal to continuously strengthen partnerships with communities by building a strong social fence, Dolefil’s Nutripan Project has expanded its operations in North Mindanao. On August 15, 2022 a Ceremonial MOA Signing was conducted in Valencia City, Bukidnon. The said activity was attended by Valencia City Mayor Azucena Huervas, City Legal Officer Atty. Marlowe Selecios, Valencia City Nutrition Committee Officers and Staff, Valencia City Barangay Functionaries, and Valencia City LGU Department Heads.

The activity started off with the Blessing of the Processing Area by Rev. Fr. Leo Caingles, followed by a short program in the Farmer’s Market where the bakery is located, and the ribbon-cutting by Mayor Huervas (LGU), April San Sebastian (Dole Philippines, Inc./MKADC) and Roel Blanker (Mahintana Foundation, Inc.)

The City Mayor emphasized, in her Opening Message, that she is “thankful to have Dole Philippines, Inc./MKADC and Mahintana Foundation as partners in the development of the city and the people of Valencia.” She is looking forward “to more partnerships and projects in the future.”

The Launching Activity was organized by Dole Philippines, Inc. North Min HR Community Relations Team, Mahintana Foundation team and the City Nutrition Committee of Valencia.

The primary goal of the Nutripan Project is to improve access to healthy and nutritious snack foods among children by providing alternatives to junk foods sold in schools and community stores while ensuring full cost recovery. The Nutripan Project aims to provide viable solutions to malnutrition while also providing sustainable livelihood to local communities. The project aims to reduce drop-out rate from local public schools by providing students with healthy meals (according to the Department of Education, malnutrition and lack of food are one of the main reasons for students to drop-out of school). Moreover, the program aims to assist local farmers and bakers through livelihood & entrepreneurial trainings.