Mega Bigay Sustansya intensifies nutrition efforts

Mega has served over 300K meals, nourished 1,700+ children through the program

Nourishing the future. Mega Bigay Sustansya graduates strike a pose with Marvin Tiu Lim, Mega Prime Foods, Inc. Chief Growth and Development Officer (center) during the program’s culminating activities.

Mega Prime Foods, Inc. is dedicated to uplifting Filipino’s lives by providing a wide range of high-quality products that nourish families with every meal served. The company's purpose shines best through its social responsibility arm Mega Tiu Lim Foundation and its flagship community nutrition project: Mega Bigay Sustansya.

Mega Bigay Sustansya leaders Marvin Tiu Lim, Mega Prime Foods, Inc. Chief Growth and Development Officer, and Dawn Marie Cabigon, Founder of Reach Out Feed Philippines.

The program recently celebrated its successful fifth year through a culminating event titled "Nourishing the Future: Mega Bigay Sustansya Graduation Ceremony" at the Mega Prime Foods Manufacturing Facility in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. The event, which coincided with the celebration of Nutrition Month this July, honored the program’s graduates. The celebration was graced by Marvin Tiu Lim, Chief Growth and Development Officer of Mega Prime Foods, Inc., Dawn Marie Cabigon, Founder of Reach Out Feed Philippines and representatives from the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).

Ms. Josefina Gonzales of the Department of Science and Technology's Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) facilitating the workshop for parents and guardians during the culmination of the Mega Bigay Sustansya Program. 

The facilitators from the Department of Science and Technology's Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) at the culmination of the Mega Bigay Sustansya program. From left: Cristelle Lois Bayalas, Shannen Faye Arevalo, Josefina T. Gonzales, and Idelia Glorioso.

Ms. Josefina Gonzales of the Department of Science and Technology's Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) facilitating the workshop for parents and guardians during the culmination of the Mega Bigay Sustansya Program.

“Itong Mega Bigay Sustansya po ang programa namin upang pangalagaan ang nutrisyon ng kabataang Pilipino na siyang itinuturing rin natin bilang pag-asa ng ating bansa. Sa ikalimang taon ng programang ito, mas pinaigting at pinalapit pa namin ang Mega Bigay Sustansya sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng pagdala ng programa sa mga paaralan,” shared Tiu Lim during time with the supportive parents of the participating children.

(“The Mega Bigay Sustansya program is our initiative to take care of the nutrition of Filipino children, who we also consider as the hope of our nation. In its fifth year, we have intensified and brought Mega Bigay Sustansya closer to them by bringing the program to schools,” shared Tiu Lim during his time with the supportive parents of the participating children.)

Launched in 2019, Mega Bigay Sustansya is a sustainable nutrition initiative aimed at alleviating malnutrition among Filipino children. The Expanded National Nutrition Survey reveals that approximately 20% of Filipino children under five years old suffer from stunted growth while 30% of kids aged between 5 and 10 years old are underweight and stunted. These alarming figures highlight the critical need for a progressive nutrition program.

Reach Out Feed Philippines, the execution partner of Mega Bigay Sustansya, assists with meal planning, preparation, and distribution. They also track and document the progress of beneficiaries.

The Mega Bigay Sustansya program features nutritious and cost-efficient everyday meals that were developed with the Department of Science and Technology's Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).

Nutri Games. Beneficiaries of the Mega Bigay Sustansya program learn about food safety and good nutrition through a specially-designed workshop facilitated by the Department of Science and Technology's Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).

Mega Bigay Sustansya provides meals that meet nutritional standards and share essential knowledge for optimal nutrition. The program’s main beneficiaries are children aged 4-12 years old who receive nutritious meals for a set number of days, according to the program designed by the foundation along with its partners: Department of Education, Department of Science and Technology's Food and Nutrition Research Institute, and Reach Out Feed Philippines.

Mega Sardines, the company’s popular canned sardines brand, is integral to the meal designs of the Mega Bigay Sustansya program. The company also offers products in other seafood lines, such as Mega Mackerel and Mega Tuna, as well as in the kitchen ingredients category with Mega Prime Mushroom and Mega Prime Kernel Corn, and in the beverage industry with Primo Sparkling Juice and Jimm’s Coffee Mix.

Since its inception, Mega Bigay Sustansya has served over 370,000 meals in various communities across the Philippines including Ermita, Valenzuela, Navotas, Samar, Leyte, Roxas, Culion, Surigao, and Zamboanga. Recently, it has also reached schools in Lucena, Lopez, Sariaya Quezon, Tanauan, Ormoc, Tacloban, Tawi-tawi, and Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

"The partnership with Mega Bigay Sustansya is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal. Our efforts have brought tangible improvements to the lives of many children, giving them the foundation they need for a brighter future,” said Dawn Marie Cabigon, Founder of Reach Out Feed Philippines.

Looking ahead, Tiu Lim expressed optimism about the future of Mega Bigay Sustansya, stating, "We are committed to expanding our reach and deepening our impact. With the continued support of our partners and the dedication of our team, we envision a Philippines where no child goes hungry, and every child has the opportunity to thrive."

For more information about the Mega Bigay Sustansya program and Mega Prime Foods, Inc., visit megaprimefoods.com.ph (PR)