RC Makati North and Inner Wheel Club of Makati North Relaunch "Feed A Child, Build A Nation" Programme

Demonstrating their unwavering commitment to improving child nutrition and education, the Rotary Club of Makati North (District 3830) and the Inner Wheel Club of Makati North (District 383) successfully relaunched the "Feed A Child, Build A Nation" Feeding Programme on 23 July 2026 at Francisco Benitez Elementary School (Main), Barangay Sta. Cruz, Makati City.

The programme brought together Rotarians, Inner Wheel members, school officials, community leaders, teachers, parents, and pupils in a shared mission to combat childhood hunger and promote better health among young learners. The initiative will provide nutritious meals to 100 selected Grade 1 beneficiaries for 100 school days, helping improve their nutritional status, school attendance, and overall learning experience.

The event commenced with an invocation and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem through an audio-visual presentation, setting a solemn and patriotic atmosphere for the gathering.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Mrs. Ida Rafols, President of the Rotary Community Corps of Sta. Cruz, warmly introduced the distinguished guests, while Mrs. Romela Sanchez, School Principal of Francisco Benitez Elementary School, delivered the Welcome Remarks and formally presented the 100 pupil-beneficiaries who will receive daily nutritious meals under the programme.

Messages of encouragement and support were delivered by Jocelyn Marcial, District Chair of the Inner Wheel Clubs of the Philippines, Marites Cordero, President of the Inner Wheel Club of Makati North, and President Thomas Joseph (TJ) Meneses of the Rotary Club of Makati North. Each speaker underscored the importance of collaborative service, emphasizing that addressing child hunger is a shared responsibility that creates lasting benefits for families, schools, and communities.

Adding warmth and joy to the celebration, members of the Rotary Club of Makati North, the Inner Wheel Club of Makati North, Francisco Benitez Elementary School Main, and the programme beneficiaries jointly participated in a special intermission number, showcasing the spirit of unity and fellowship that defines Rotary service.

The highlight of the event was the feeding of the children, where beneficiaries received nutritious meals prepared to support their health and development. The programme is expected to contribute significantly to improving the children's classroom participation and academic performance.

Representing the beneficiaries, a Grade 1 pupil delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude, expressing appreciation to the Rotary Club of Makati North, the Inner Wheel Club of Makati North, and their partners for their generosity and care. The response was facilitated by Rtn. Charls Arisgado, who encouraged the children to value education and strive for a brighter future.

A significant milestone of the relaunch was the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the partner organizations and Francisco Benitez Elementary School. The agreement formalizes the commitment of all stakeholders to work together in ensuring the successful implementation and sustainability of the feeding programme. A commemorative photo session followed, capturing the shared commitment of everyone involved.

The programme was expertly hosted by Nurse Meg Quinoyog, whose enthusiasm and professionalism contributed to the smooth flow of the event.

The relaunch of the "Feed A Child, Build A Nation" Feeding Programme reflects the enduring commitment of the Rotary Club of Makati North and the Inner Wheel Club of Makati North to invest in the well-being of children. By addressing malnutrition and supporting education, the programme embodies Rotary's ideal of Service Above Self, proving that when organizations and communities work together, they can nourish not only young minds and bodies but also hope for a brighter future.

Written and submitted by: ED Betty Centeno