Wednesday, December 24, 2008 Sugarcane workers laud Helen Keller, Kraft Cares
HUNDREDS of sugarcane workers showed up to express gratitude to Kraft Cares and Helen Keller International during the 'Adlaw Sg Pagpasalamat,' recently held at Grand Regal Hotel in Bacolod City.
The program is the culmination of a 10-month program involving 150 sugarcane families in selected haciendas in the municipalities of San Enrique and Valladolid that received a holistic program in health and livelihood aspects.
Kraft foods manager in Corporate and Government Affairs Raymund C.S. Soberano and Helen Keller (HKI) Country Director Ellen Villate received a plaque of recognition for their partnership in the program.
In his speech, Soberano urged agencies involved in the project to continue the good relationship and partnership established as he pledged that Kraft will continue to support some program segments like the sports festival even if the program has already ended.
Villate cited the gains of the program, like the increased number of children immunized and those that received vitamin A, improvement of knowledge of mothers through the mothers' class and the proliferation of vegetable gardens in the hacienda that provided the beneficiaries fresh vegetables and extra income.
She urged mothers to continue what they have learned, especially in caring for their kids, preparing of healthy food and being responsible community members.
"May this not be the last but a new start for change," she said.
Project coordinator Juvy Zafra said they would continue to monitor the project and coordinate with the province of Negros Occidental to further stimulate the achievements of the project dubbed "Improving Child Care and Community Wellness among Families of Sugarcane Workers."
Recipients of the program were workers in Hacienda US Farm in Barangay Ayungon, municipality of Valladolid; Hacienda Siason in Barangay Sibukaw, municipality of San Enrique and Hacienda Sibukaw, also in San Enrique.
Provincial Health officer Luisa Efren also lauded HKI and Kraft Cares for bringing the project to the province particularly to the sugarcane workers and leaving a mark that will always be remembered by both theNegros Occidental government and the project recipients in inculcating positive values and behavior towards a better and healthy lifestyle. (PIA)
