The Philippines is considered to be among the most disaster-stricken nations in the world. And the problem doesn’t end there. The country also has a staggering 28 million citizens suffering from malnutrition and chronic micronutrient deficiency. It seems like our nation is finding it challenging to stand up and be in tiptop condition with many of its people pained by calamity and hunger. And it doesn’t help having inefficient officials and operations either. In 2015, despite having billions of disaster aid supplements, a total of P141.1 million worth of disaster-relief packs were wasted due to careless food distribution, most of which got spoiled even before reaching the families. It could easily have been prevented by simply employing more thoughtful procedures. But it was faulty from the get-go.
As has been a habit, the common go-to relief donation for communities contains rice, noodles, and coffee. These are good but simply do not carry the nutritional value and easy preparation needed during times of need and rapidly worsening conditions. Hence, families end up being burdened even further. It’s a good thing someone came to the rescue and cleverly thought of a much better solution to the dire situation.
“A lot of calamity victims have been unable to use the provisions given to them because these required heating, cooking, and refrigerating.”
Aptly called The Care Package (TCP), the easily transportable packet contains Pilmico’s High Energy Biscuits, tasty vanilla biscuits packed with 450 kilocalories of energy, equal to one full meal. Containing proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins A, B1 to B12, C, D3, and E, iodine, iron, magnesium, and calcium, TCP includes every important aspect of a healthy meal, or more importantly, an emergency food provision.
Goods distributed to communities in need have to be ready for consumption. A lot of calamity victims have been unable to use the provisions given to them because these required heating, cooking, and refrigerating. Due to long periods without access to power or any form of cookware, numerous packs of donated food perish and go to waste. This is why TCP contains cookies that are ready-to-eat, nutritious, have a one-year shelf life, and are contained in a package that prevents moisture buildup.
With the advent of continuous tragedies and misfortunes hitting the nation and affecting Filipinos, NGOs, LGUs, and other organizations continue to look for better ways to help out those in need. At last, there is now a viable solution—and it’s in one simple package.
Originally published in F&B Report Vol. 14 No. 1