Gota de Leche’s Progressive Programs for Beneficiaries

From its conception in 1906, Gota de Leche has been known for its milk-feeding program and addressing the immediate health needs of young Filipino children. However, more than a century’s worth of service witnessed how the oldest non-government charity organization continues to expand its programs to accommodate the changing times.

In the Greater Manila area alone, there are now 140 child beneficiaries who come to the Gota de Leche building in Sampaloc for their weekly feeding and medical check-up. Each time, the kids and their adult guardians are given nutritious meals. Volunteer students and professionals provide educational, dental, or hygiene services. The individual medical check-ups at the clinic include weight monitoring and a general examination, after which the beneficiaries are given their regular milk ration.

From their regular interaction with the kids, the Gota de Leche administration and staff decided to include de-worming, de-lousing, and provision of basic medication for common ailments. These new provisions will augment Gota’s quarterly medical services, and become part and parcel of the organization’s four established  programs: the weekly feeding, the breast milk and brown rice program, post-disaster relief and nutrition outreach, and heritage conservation:

Gota de Leche has since opened its doors to accommodate not just Manila’s poorest and most needy. As of June 21, 2015, Gota expanded its outreach programs to support 60 children from Ginutungan Island and 30 children from Sawang Calero in Metro Cebu. Extremely impoverished and malnourished, most of these kids are refugees from the devastating effects of Typhoon Yolanda. Gota de Leche’s partnership with NGO friends in Cebu made this outreach program possible. Meals and milk are provided for the kids on school days, with quarterly health check-ups done by Gota’s team of medical professionals.

The changing times and expected natural calamities remain a constant challenge, but Gota de Leche’s dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and donors remain steadfast in their desire to help their young beneficiaries.