2015: Gota Moves Forward (Part 4 of a 5-Year Report)

In 2015, Gota de Leche’s programs reached a new level as its number of beneficiaries exceeded its yearly target. While other foundations may have faltered with this sudden increase in demand for service delivery, Gota de Leche remained steadfast and was able to provide much needed assistance and healthcare to communities.

To ensure that the quality of the services did not falter, Gota de Leche reinforced existing programs and enlisted the aid of various groups in raising sufficient resources for recipients. These partnerships proved to be even more vital in 2015 as the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) gave the Philippines a Global Hunger Index (GHI) score of 20.1 and ranked the country at number 51 out of the 117 countries surveyed for malnutrition¹. While the same report stated that there have been improvements since 2000, malnutrition remains a problem in the country and this results to child stunting, child wasting, and even child mortality.

Working to make a dent in this persistent problem, Gota de Leche poured even more emphasis on health monitoring and nutrition for mothers and children. Thus, the group joined forces with Hershey’s Philippines and Stop Hunger Now in distributing over 30,000 meals in Cebu and the Capital Region. To address the devastation brought about Typhoon Lando, the group joined The Citizen’s Disaster Rescue and Response team in disseminating rice packs in affected areas. And to sustain efforts to combat malnutrition, Gota de Leche, with assistance from JCI Regatta. to closely monitored crucial areas in Guimaras and Jaro, Iloilo.

Likewise, old partners such as Quota International, FEU, Starbucks, GMA-7, ABS-CBN, Metrobank, IAOMT-Philippines, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and generous individuals – many of whom were descendants of Gota’s past directors – donated time and resources – to keep moving Gota De Leche’s advocacy forward.