In the heart of Quezon City, Barangay Payatas stands as a stark reminder of the complex challenges facing urban poor communities in the Philippines. Here, intertwined issues of poverty, hunger, and health disparities shape daily life, particularly for the children.
Help Feed a Child, an initiative spearheaded by second-year International Studies students as part of their GEE 1.1 Service-Learning Project in 2022, in partnership with the Tanging Yaman Foundation and the Payatas Orione Foundation, Inc. (PAOFI), to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).
SDG 1: No Poverty – Addressing the Root Condition
Targeting Poverty (SDG 1)
The initiative provided direct aid to 35 beneficiary families of PAOFI. By fundraising through the sale of Tanging Yaman products and using social media to raise public awareness, the project addressed immediate needs while fostering the broader understanding required for lasting change.
SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Nourishing Bodies and Futures
Support was directed to PAOFI’s vital Nutrition Program. The project distributed family food packs for short-term security for families and their children aged 2-8, ensuring they receive the balanced nutrition critical for development.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – The Foundation of a Dignified Life
The service-project invested in preventive healthcare. Consistent nutrition builds children’s resilience to disease and supports their cognitive development.
This initiative demonstrates a tangible model for local SDG action: leveraging partnerships to provide immediate relief while building a foundation for long-term community well-being. It was more than aid; it was a strategic investment in the health and future of Payatas children.
By: Angelica Boquiren, Erica De Leoz, Irish Francisco, Danielle Noche, Dominique Policarpio, Maureen Rosario, & Zoe Verzo
