A sixth grade girl who attends school in the Camarines Sur Province of Philippines, Anthonette Joaquin, wrote and delivered the following heart-warming speech to U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney in March 2007. She relates her personal experience participating in a USDA 416(b) school nutrition program implemented by Land O’Lakes. After the USDA-funded school nutrition program concludes, the Camarines Sur school nutrition program will continue through local government commitments and donated funds.

Content of Anthonette Joaquin’s speech:

To our Honorable U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney, to our Governor, Honorable Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte, to our respected motherly Schools Division Superintendent of Camarines Sur, Dr. Emma I. Cornejo, to our Officer In-Charge, Mr. Ceaser R. Bascu?to our dear and beloved teachers, classmates, parents and friends, a pleasant day to each and every one of you.

It was September 1, 2003, when I first tasted the very delicious milk and biscuits given to us for free by the United States Department of Agriculture through the Land O’Lakes Foundation Philippines, Inc. School Nutrition Program.

This milk and biscuits is great help to us, since it improves our nourishment, makes us stronger, more active and healthier than before.

Many pupils who missed breakfast due to some financial and unavoidable circumstances felt happy and confident that the aches in their stomach would be cured through the milk feeding program.

Barangay Sagurong, where our school is found, is said to be one of the depressed barangay of Pili, Camarines Sur. Most pupils are undernourished. Some came to school with empty stomaches and some just make themselves absent. Others that did come showed weaknesses and haggardness - both physically and mentally.

Through the Land O’Lakes School Nutrition Program pupils became more active and alert. Problems in absenteeism were quite resolved. Parents are so thankful for this program because of the great help it gives to their children.

On behalf of the parents, teachers and most especially of the pupils of Soledad Marasigan Elementary School, I would like to extend my grateful and wholehearted thanks to the United States Department of Agriculture who has given us this great support. We will all cherished this and keep it in our heart forever.

Thank you very much, Madame. Through you, may our gratitude reach your government especially the Department of Agriculture. We’re looking forward for your continued support to us school children.

Again thank you, long live and more power!!!

Anthonette Joaquin
Grade VI Pupil
Soledad Marasigan Elementary School
Sagurong, Pili, Camarines Sur, Philippines