Caritas PH’s PaMEALyA Program brings relief to struggling scholars

Gilbert Bulan, an eleventh grader from Ilagan, Isabela, used to go to school without a proper meal, at times eating only patis or fish sauce with rice for breakfast. On some days, there was nothing to eat at all.

The youngest of three siblings, Bulan, an 11th grader from the San Antonio National Agro-Industrial and Vocational High School (SANAIVHS) in Ilagan, Isabela, comes from a family who’s unfortunately had limited opportunities in life. His mother, widowed 10 years ago, works as a farm laborer to provide for the family's needs. Given their financial situation, Gilbert works part-time as a sound operator at events to support the family and his studies.

With the help of Caritas Philippines’ Alay Kapwa Program on Alay para sa Kalusugan (PaMEALYA Program), Gilbert and other families with similar situations are able to enjoy nourishing meals before class so they can focus while learning.

PaMEALyA was launched by the Diocesan Social Action Center (DSAC) – Ilagan Inc., in partnership with the Hapag Movement, a program led by Globe and implemented by partners such as the Catholic humanitarian, development and advocacy organization Caritas Philippines. It aims to address the issue of food insecurity among 430 DSAC-Ilagan scholars from low-income families.

Through thorough evaluation and needs assessment, DSAC-Ilagan found that many of their scholars

SMAC expresses gratitude to its members, who extended help to beneficiary communities by choosing to shop for a cause and use SMAC for their holiday shopping. face food insecurity due to poverty. Hunger is a major obstacle to students’ ability

Gilbert Bulan, an eleventh grader from Ilagan, Isabela, is among beneficiaries of Caritas Philippines’ Alay Kapwa Program on Alay para sa Kalusugan (PaMEALYA Program), which supports scholars facing food insecurity