Manila, Philippines – The League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) is intensifying its efforts to address child malnutrition in Basilan, the first province under its LIFE (LCF’s Initiative for Food Security, Nutrition, and Empowerment) program, with the launch of its two key projects: the Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) Central Kitchen in Isabela City, spearheaded by Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), and a water system development project in Tipo-Tipo led by Manila Water Foundation (MWF).
Wasting and stunting remain among the most pressing nutrition issues in the Philippines, threatening children’s health, learning potential, and long-term development. According to the latest National Nutrition Survey, 23.6% of children under five were stunted in 2023—nearly one in four—and 5.6% were suffering from severe undernutrition. The 2024 Global Hunger Index likewise reports 26.7% stunting and 5.4% wasting, underscoring the urgency of tackling both acute and chronic malnutrition at the community level.
LIFE is LCF’s unified, province-by-province approach to preventing these conditions and scaling interventions for nationwide impact. “Through LIFE, we’re working to nourish not just bodies, but futures—starting here in Basilan, and moving province by province to help end child wasting and stunting for good,” said Shem Jose Garcia, Chairperson of LCF and Executive Director of Vivant Foundation, Inc.
The Zuellig Family Foundation [ZFF] initiated its efforts prior to the launch of LIFE in 2024. As early as 2021, ZFF provided support and worked with local officials on the Nutrition Leadership and Governance Program.
JGF and MWF are among the first to roll out projects in Basilan under LIFE. JGF’s BLT Community Kitchen will operate as a centralized hub for feeding programs targeting children, and pregnant and lactating mothers, ensuring meals are nutritious, culturally appropriate, and Muslim-friendly. Meanwhile, MWF’s water system development project in Tipo-Tipo will deliver access to clean and safe water for the community.
The Busog, Lusog, Talino Community Kitchen
Launched in partnership with the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) and JGF, the BLT Community Kitchen—where ZFF served as on-the-ground anchor liaising with the provincial government and JGF spearheaded the program by fully funding and overseeing construction—was inaugurated on June 26 with then Governor Jim Hataman Salliman, Dr. Joyce Ann Arandia-Viar, Nutrition Portfolio Director of ZFF, LA Cruzat, Senior Program Manager of JGF, and Celine Santillan, Executive Director of LCF.
The BLT Community Kitchen program is an established JGF initiative, with 37 facilities nationwide, each designed to efficiently prepare and distribute meals to multiple schools. Its integration into LIFE’s Basilan rollout sets the stage for replication in other underserved areas.
“The BLT Kitchen is a model of how multisectoral partnerships can create sustainable solutions to hunger,” said LA Cruzat, Senior Program Manager of JGF. “It’s about leveraging our strengths to create impact where it matters most at the community level.”
Project Bohè: Water System Development in Tipo-Tipo
Water access, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are vital components of nutrition-sensitive programs, particularly in addressing undernourishment in geographically isolated, disadvantaged, and conflict-affected areas. Project Bohè, a water system development initiative, will deliver 350,000 liters of clean and potable water daily to Barangay Bohelebung.
The water system is a collaborative effort with the Local Government of Tipo-Tipo, led by the Manila Water Foundation (MWF), co-funded by Metrobank Foundation, and implemented in partnership with ZFF. Project Bohè aims to expand community access to safe water, contributing to disease prevention, improved health outcomes, and enhanced local economic activity.
To ensure long-term sustainability, MWF conducted technical capacity-building sessions and organized a WASH Group composed of local community leaders. This group will operate, manage, and maintain the system, ensuring community ownership and stewardship. Through Project Bohè in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, MWF underscores its commitment to bringing WASH solutions to all communities.
MWF organized a WASH Group of local leaders through capacity-building sessions to operate and maintain the water system, ensuring long-term community self-sufficiency.
LIFE Moving Forward
Over the next two years, LIFE, through its members and partners, has several projects planned for Basilan. These include the turn over of anthropometric tools to monitor child growth, fundraising to extend its reach, and expanding its network of partners and supporters. Other LCF members, including East-West Seed Foundation and Ayala Foundation, are also preparing complementary initiatives in the province. LIFE has likewise received donations from organizations such as Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation, as well as CSR-practicing corporations Monde Nissin Corporation and ISSI Corporation.
LCF’s LIFE initiative is proof that when corporate foundations unite with public and nonprofit partners, tackling child malnutrition becomes a shared and achievable mission.
Support LIFE through resources or capacity-building initiatives. Visit LCF’s Facebook page to learn how you can help. Contact Amber Garma at membership1.lcf@gmail.com or 09204649035 for more information about LIFE’s Christmas campaign.
 is intensifying its efforts to address child malnutrition in Basilan, the first province under its LIFE (LCF’s Initiative for Food Security, Nutrition, and Empowerment) program, with the launch of its two key projects: the Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) Central Kitchen in Isabela City, spearheaded by Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), and a water system development project in Tipo-Tipo led by Manila Water Foundation (MWF).){kind=link}