Monsanto Philippines recently led a free medical outreach to over 500 children from underserved communities in Pulilan, Bulacan. In joint partnership with volunteer pediatricians and general medical practitioners in the area, the activity also provided vitamin supplements to sustainably address the different medical needs of young beneficiaries in the said area.
Monsanto’s Bulacan plant manager Kris Palarca shared that before the outreach, the company conducted surveys in terms of the health needs of the communities near the company’s Refuge-in-a-Bag Plant and cold warehouse located in Bulacan. Palarca said that despite some progress made in quality and affordable healthcare provisions, a number of children in the said area still continue to suffer from stunted growth, compromised cognitive development and poor physical health.
“This very helpful initiative by our colleagues at our Pulilan Plant aims to help sustain healthy communities where poverty and lack of basic healthcare remain daunting problems,” said Monsanto’s Corporate Affairs Lead Charina Ocampo. “Monsanto will continue to build strong roots in the local communities where we operate, empowering families not only in health, but also through education, livelihood and environment programs,” Ocampo added.
Aside from the medical check-up, Monsanto also entertained the kids with the presentation of the digital animation of Monsanto’s published children’s book titled Lina’s Town Rises Again, which was inspired by the tale of triumph of a lady corn farmer from Sultan Kudarat. Monsanto also gave copies of the said book along with school supplies such as crayons and coloring paper.
