The Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris (RCCGM) continues its mission of fighting malnutrition and empowering mothers through their flagship program AMOMA sa Kaugmaon. This transformative initiative goes beyond simply providing meals – it empowers communities to create a healthier future for their children, one meal at a time.
AMOMA sa Kaugmaon is a three-month Children's Nutritional Balancing Program aimed
at addressing the widespread issue of undernutrition in the Philippines. As the flagship
project of the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris, based in Cebu City, it focuses on educating mothers and providing the knowledge, resources, and support they need to improve the nutritional health of their children.
Here’s a glimpse of the transformative journey we’ve undertaken this Rotary year:
A Heartwarming Start: Barangay Owak, Asturias, Cebu
The initiative began on July 19, 2024, when RCCGM, in partnership with the Rotary
Club of Talisay, Dr. Nefai Dela Serna, and Fruitas, traveled to Barangay Owak in
Asturias, Cebu. AMOMA sa Kaugmaon, an initiative designed by Immediate Past
President Gay Marie Tiu, was set in motion with the goal of empowering mothers and
addressing child malnutrition in the area.
The community welcomed the team with open arms as the club reached out to 56
children who were at risk due to malnutrition. The day was filled with positive energy as
the team distributed nutritional juices, educational handouts, and notebooks to help
track the children’s progress. But what truly set this event apart was the cooking demonstration, where mothers learned how to prepare affordable, nutritious meals that
their children would love.
The mission was clear: to provide knowledge that would help these children thrive, starting with their meals.
Identifying the Problem: The Need for Action
By September 2024, RCCGM recognized the urgent need for action. The City Health
Office reported that over 1,300 children in Cebu City were suffering from malnutrition.
The club committed to sponsoring 40 children but acknowledged the need for more
support.
In an appeal to the community, they urged: “Every P1500 per month or P50 per day will help sponsor another child in need.”
With collective action, the dream of turning the tide against malnutrition seemed within reach.
Partnering for Change: Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City
On October 25, 2024, a partnership was formed between RCCGM and Barangay
Kamputhaw to tackle the growing issue of child malnutrition. Immediate Past President
Gay Marie Tiu met with Brgy. Captain Jessica Cadungog to discuss how the two parties
could collaborate on this pressing issue.
The following day, October 26, 2024, RCCGM hosted the Pre-Launching Event at Barangay Kamputhaw Hall, where they introduced 20 malnourished children and their parents to the program. The event emphasized the importance of balanced diets, and it marked the beginning of weekly monitoring and education sessions to help the community combat malnutrition.
Tracking Progress: One Step at a Time
The first official monitoring visit took place on October 30, 2024, when the team met
with the children and their parents to check on their progress. During this visit, each
child’s weight and height were recorded to track improvements. On November 6, 2024,
a second visit was made to meet with 24 children and continue the monitoring efforts.
The support from the community helped volunteers provide each child with the attention
they needed, making each visit an invaluable opportunity to make a difference.
A Christmas of Hope: Bringing Joy to Kamputhaw
On December 18, 2024, the spirit of giving shone through as RCCGM hosted the Toys
for Tots and Gift-Giving Event at Barangay Kamputhaw. The event filled the 4th-floor
hall with laughter and smiles as the children unwrapped toys and gifts, made possible
by the generosity of Past Presidents Christine Racaza, Bessie Villamor, Mita Caballes,
and others. The holiday celebration reminded everyone of the power of community and
how small gestures can have a lasting impact.
A Moment of Recognition: DSWD Paglaray Award
As the program continued, RCCGM’s efforts were recognized with the DSWD Paglaray
Award at the national level for excellence in addressing malnutrition. This recognition
was a testament to the dedication of everyone involved, but the true reward came in the
form of the improvements seen in the children’s health and well-being.
The Culmination: Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead
On February 8, 2025, RCCGM held the culminating activity for AMOMA sa Kaugmaon
at Barangay Kamputhaw Hall. The day was filled with celebration and joy as 56 children
from Barangay Owak and 20 children from Barangay Kamputhaw were recognized for
their remarkable progress.
The children’s progress was tracked using notebooks that monitored their meals, sleep,
and physical growth. In addition to awarding prizes to children who showed the most
improvement, fun games were organized for both children and parents. The event not
only celebrated the children’s improved health but also highlighted the importance of
community involvement and the power of education in creating sustainable change.
The event was attended by Immediate Past President Gay Marie Tiu, Assistant
Governor-Elect Christine Tan Ashby, and Director of Public Image Dorothy Borces, who
were all united in the fight against malnutrition and committed to building a healthier
future for the community.
The Journey Continues
As AMOMA sa Kaugmaon draws to a close for now, the journey to combat malnutrition
continues. RCCGM remains steadfast in its commitment to uplifting families, supporting
children, and building a healthier, brighter future for Cebu. The success of this program
serves as proof that with collective action, meaningful change is possible. Together, the
club, volunteers, and the community have made a difference—one child, one
meal, one smile at a time.
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