Philippines: New Daycare and Feeding Program Targets Education, Nutrition for Subanen Children

A new community-based program will provide early childhood education and nutritious meals for Subanen Indigenous children in Sitio Tulohon, Barangay Paranglumba, in Zamboanga del Norte province in the southern Philippines.

The Kiddie Star Program was launched on October 23 through a partnership among Friends of Saint Mary MacKillop, Inc. (FSMMI), the Paranglumba local government and Tulong Lasalyano, the social action arm of De La Salle Brothers, Inc. The launch included the signing of a memorandum of agreement to support the initiative.

Held during the Philippines’ National Indigenous Peoples Month, the program carries the theme “Sustansya, Talino, Aral at Respeto,” emphasizing nutrition, intellectual development, education and respect.

The initiative aims to establish a daycare center and provide feeding services, creating a safe environment where children can learn, play, develop essential skills and grow while maintaining their cultural identity.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and build a better future, regardless of their circumstances or the community they come from,” said Fr. Dean Bongat, founder and chief executive officer of FSMMI.

He said the program seeks to expand access to early childhood education and proper nutrition for Subanen children in underserved communities.

Rey L. Anugon, president of FSMMI, said the initiative would help children develop their potential in an environment that respects their cultural identity.

“We believe that every child deserves access to education, proper nutrition and a nurturing environment where their potential can be developed and their cultural identity respected,” Anugon said.

Timuay Labi Johnny C. Anugon Sr., tribal chieftain and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative, welcomed the initiative, describing it as an opportunity for Subanen children to learn and build a better future while preserving their community’s traditions.

Iris Joy Tayag, director of the Social Action Unit of De La Salle Brothers, Inc., emphasized the importance of cooperation among institutions and local communities in addressing children's educational and nutritional needs.

“In line with the mission of the De La Salle Brothers Inc. in ensuring access to education for everyone, the Social Action Unit believes that it takes a village to make this happen, and we commit to be a part of that village,” Tayag said.

She added that improving access to food and education would help young people contribute to the country’s future.

Alfredo T. Lusay Sr., barangay captain of Paranglumba, expressed gratitude to the partner organizations, describing the program as an answer to the community’s hopes for better opportunities for its children.

FSMMI also acknowledged the contributions of program lead Krizzhia Loren Rosero, community volunteers, parents, social work interns from Saint Joseph College of Sindangan, Inc., and the Tribal Council of Elders of the Siayan Subanen Ancestral Domain.

The partnership highlights efforts to address educational and nutritional needs in remote Indigenous communities while involving local leaders in decisions affecting their children.

The Subanen are among the Indigenous peoples of the Zamboanga Peninsula in Mindanao, an island region in the southern Philippines. The program’s organizers said their initiative seeks to support children's development while respecting the community’s cultural heritage and traditions.