KABAYAN, Benguet — The Local Government of Kabayan, formally welcomed the delegation of Convoy of Hope Philippines during their first meeting at the Conference Hall, Municipal Building, Poblacion.
The gathering marked the start of a significant partnership, with Kabayan chosen as the pilot municipality in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) for Convoy of Hope’s comprehensive feeding program.
Mayor Rex Alvin Aquisan, with the support and presence of Vice Mayor Sario M. Minas, Punong Barangays led by Honorable Amy Joanne A. Belting, Child Development Workers (CDWs), Department of Education -Kabayan District, and the LGU departments, warmly expressed gratitude to Convoy of Hope for their commitment to supporting the community, particularly the younger generation.
He emphasized that the initiative is a vital step toward ensuring the health and educational success of Kabayan’s children, noting that the LGU is ready to collaborate in sustaining programs that uplift vulnerable groups.
During the meeting, the parties agreed to conduct a 20-day trial feeding program in selected schools, after which an assessment will be undertaken before the signing of a one-year contract.
The program is designed as a nutrition-specific intervention targeting at-risk and vulnerable children aged 2–14 years, as well as pregnant and lactating mothers. It will be strategically implemented through school-based and community-based approaches to maximize reach and impact.
The feeding program will operate five days a week for a continuous 180-day cycle, using fortified rice meal products and approved recipes to ensure nutritional adequacy.
Implementation will be carried out in partnership with local organizations, with special attention to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).
To strengthen sustainability, nutrition education and training will be provided to parents and volunteers, including sessions on food preparation and handling facilitated by the Nutrition Services Unit (NSU).
Children will also receive vitamin and micronutrient supplementation to support growth and immunity, while a robust monitoring and evaluation system will be in place to measure effectiveness and guide improvements.
Convoy of Hope, a faith-based humanitarian relief organization founded in 1994 in the United States, is globally recognized for its programs in feeding, disaster response, women’s empowerment, agriculture, and community development.
In the Philippines, the organization has partnered with local governments to combat malnutrition and promote holistic community development.
The meeting highlighted the shared vision of LGU Kabayan and Convoy of Hope: to build healthier, stronger communities through compassion-driven initiatives.
With Kabayan as the pilot site, the collaboration is expected to bring lasting benefits to children and families, setting a model for future expansion across the region.
