Blessings poured in Catmon, Cebu on January 8, Tuesday, when the town inaugurated the newly built kitchens for the Kusina sa Kahimsug ug Pag-amuma (KKP) project. A program that aims to improve the health of malnourished children while teaching the kids the importance of good nutrition.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III with wife Jobel and Vice Governor Agnes A. Magpale led the blessing and launching of the KKP Program and turn-over of the kitchen utensils and equipment for the new kitchens together with the representatives of Gawad Kalinga, Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, local officials, parents and pupils.

Catmon is the fourth municipality of Cebu after San Remigio, Samboan and Madridejos to launch the KKP program.

“The children are our future. Kinahanglan tanang paningkamot, sentro gyud para sa mga kabataan kay sila man ang mopuli nato (All our efforts must be focused on children because they are our future generation) said Cebu Governor Hilario P. Davide III. He added, “Kinahanglan gyud natong tagaan og insaktong pagkaon ang mga bata ug (angay) makat-on ang mga bata nga mokaon og utan kay daghan na diri sa Catmon. Sa mga bata, kinahanglan healthy aron healthy ang atong society (We need to provide the right food to children and they must learn to eat vegetables since it is abundant here in Catmon. Children must be healthy for us to have a healthy society).”

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale believes that “a healthy body is a key to a healthy mind”. She said that “Dako kaayo ang akong pasalamat nga nakigpartner nato ang DepEd, DSWD, Gawad Kalinga and others (I am thankful for our partner agencies).”

Two schools in Catmon received the kitchen equipment and utensils. Kusina 1 is in Catmon Integrated School (CIS), Poblacion and the Kusina 2 in Agsuwao Elementary School, situated in the mountainous part of Catmon, which is 20 kilometers away from the Poblacion.

The event started with a blessing officiated by the parish priest and a ribbon cutting by Mrs. Jobel Davide and Vice Governor Magpale and witnessed by the local officials, GK, DSWD, and DepEd representatives. During the program, CIS teachers sang “The Greatest Love of All”.

The turnover ceremony was followed by the signing of the pledge of commitment by the officials and representatives of participating agencies.

Also present during the event were Vice Mayor Irish Baylon–Gestopa, GK Provincial Head, Mr. Antonio M. Florendo Jr; KKP Advisor Jobella A. Davide; DepEd representative Jose Garry R. Napole; DSWD’s Nutritionist/Dietician Daphne Joyce B. Embradora; District Supervisor Dr. Omega Monisit-Sol and local officials. ###

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