Kaagapay sa Pangarap: Communities coming together to nurture young learners

In a small public school tucked away in the communities of North Cotabato, the day often begins long before the first lesson is written on the board.

Unlike other schools in big cities, at Lama-lama Elementary School, teachers first check on a matter considered just as important as reading or mathematics: whether their students have eaten

For many of the 195 learners under the care of School Head Principal Mae Blanca Manojo, quietly stands in the way of learning. Before classes begin, teachers conduct nutritional assessments to identify children who are severely wasted or stunted—conditions that can affect a child’s ability to focus, attend school regularly, and perform well academically.

The educators of Lama-lama Elementary School know that ensuring that students are properly nourished is not separate from education—it is part of it.

Fighting Hunger, One Meal at a Time

Through the school’s School-Based Feeding Program, hot meals are prepared daily to help students begin their lessons with energy and improved nutrition. Yet sustaining the program has not always been easy.

With limited school funds, even acquiring basic kitchen equipment such as rice cookers, water containers, and cooking utensils posed a challenge.

That challenge changed when Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc. stepped in to support the school by donating essential cooking equipment—tools that now help keep the feeding program running smoothly each day.

Simple kitchen items have become powerful symbols of hope for the school community.

For Principal Manojo, the support carried both practical and emotional meaning.

“Hindi madali para sa amin ang bumili ng mga kagamitang ito dahil limitado lamang ang pondo ng paaralan. Malaki ang aming pasasalamat.” she shared.

“Napaka-espesyal namin sa Bell-Kenz. Hindi namin inaasahan ang tulong na ito. Ipinapangako naming pangangalagaan ang mga kagamitang ito upang mas marami pang bata ang makinabang sa mga susunod na taon.” she added.

The Link Between Nutrition and Learning

Across President Roxas North District in the same province, education leaders continue to stress the deep connection between nutrition and academic success.

District Head Rowel Eguiong explained that for many students from low-income families, school feeding programs play a crucial role not only in improving health but also in encouraging children to attend school regularly.

“Minsan, hindi nakakapasok ang mga bata dahil wala silang makain,” he said. “Ang iba naman ay napakalayo ng kanilang bahay sa paaralan. Pagdating nila sa klase, gutom ang nakakaapekto sa kanilang kakayahang matutunan ang mga aralin.”

Empowering Mothers Through Nutrition Education

With the realization that proper nutrition must extend beyond the classroom, Bell-Kenz Pharma also supported the development of printed nutrition manuals for mothers under the Nutri-Mom initiative.

These booklets provide practical guidance on preparing nutritious meals using affordable and locally available ingredients—helping families continue healthy eating habits at home.

For Nurse Risa Bernales Bacud, the program plays a critical role in strengthening the impact of school feeding initiatives.

“Kung hanggang feeding program lang tayo, hindi magiging sapat ang intervention. Kailangan ding maturuan ang mga nanay sa tamang paghahanda ng pagkain,” she explained.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa Bell-Kenz Pharma sa patuloy na pag-extend ng tulong upang mapalawak ang kaalaman ng mga nanay tungkol sa tamang nutrisyon ng mga bata.”

Today, the program supports families from Ilustre Central Elementary School, Datu Sundungan Elementary School, Lama-lama Elementary School, and other communities across President Roxas North District.

Creating Better Spaces for Learning

In Kabacan West District, Bell-Kenz Pharma helped Malabuaya Elementary School by supporting the construction of a new classroom designed to give students a safer and more conducive learning environment.

For Teacher Bailinang D. Salik, the classroom represents more than just a new structure.

“Many of my students come from families with limited resources. Providing proper classroom space and materials helps ensure that every learner has equal opportunities to participate and succeed academically,” she shared.

She noted that one of their continuing goals is to create better spaces where students can regularly practice reading and build confidence.

With continued support from partners, the school hopes to further strengthen literacy and numeracy development among its learners.

Supporting Young Athletes

Beyond classrooms and feeding centers, Bell-Kenz Pharma also has extended its support to sports development for the youth of the province.

During the Kidapawan City Division Athletic Association Meet 2026 held in February, the company distributed 470 food packs to student-athletes, coaches, and technical officials participating in the multi-day sporting event.

The heavy rainfall that affected several outdoor venues, competitions continued with determination and sportsmanship.

Small Acts, Lasting Impact

Across feeding programs, classrooms, community learning initiatives, and sports events, these efforts share one common purpose: supporting children in their journey toward a better future. Each rice cooker, nutrition booklet, classroom, and food pack represents more than assistance. They represent belief—in the potential of every child. Because when communities come together, they do more than provide resources. They nurture dreams. “At Bell-Kenz Pharma, we believe that health and education go hand in hand. By supporting school feeding programs, nutrition education, and safe learning spaces, we are not just providing resources—we are helping nurture the potential of every child. It is our hope that through these initiatives, communities come together to empower young learners and give them a stronger foundation for a brighter future.”— Dr. Luis Raymond T. Go, Medical Director, Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc. And through partnerships rooted in compassion and shared hope, Bell-Kenz Pharma continues to stand as a Kaagapay sa Pangarap for the next generation of Filipino learners.