Western Visayas College of Science and Technology – Extension Office under Director Cora Corbal, together with the Jollibee Group Foundation, started the first survey of their joint project, Special School Feeding Program (SSFP) in one of its 7 municipalities/beneficiaries, last Wednesday, February 5, 2014.
The SSFP which was launched on January 20, is a project inspired by Busog Lusog Talino Program, intends to feed school children in all grade levels in 7 municipalities in the Province of Iloilo and Capiz which were greatly affected by Typhoon Yolanda. The feeding program is serving lunch thrice a week – Monday, Wednesday and Friday for a period of 30 days. The Jollibee Group Foundation provides the feeding budget and in kind support to the target schools while WVCST provides the monitoring support. Parents also participate in preparing and cooking the specific meals for the pupils in coordination with the teachers and the LGUs.
In the survey conducted in the different elementary schools in the Municipality of Lemery, it was found out that despite the physical condition of the classrooms, the pupils are more active in going to school because they are not only provided with knowledge but they also get fed which in one way or another, helps in the financial aspect of their family. Parents also expressed their gratitude to the Jollibee Group Foundation and WVCST for the implementation of the feeding program. School Principals and teachers involved are also very thankful and became more motivated to teach and help their pupils because they see the unfailing effort of everybody, from the sponsors, the LGUs, including the barangay officials to the parents who do their share for this project.
Though it has not reached half way yet, it is already perceived as a successful project based on the positive responses from the beneficiaries. The Jollibee Group Foundation is also happy of the outcome and is hoping to have more projects in partnership with Western Visayas College of Science and Technology.
Meanwhile, more elementary schools from other municipalities are also scheduled every other day for the first survey.
WVCST is handling 7 municipalities in the Province of Iloilo and Capiz with a total of 78 public elementary schools and 27,005 beneficiaries.
