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Kusina ng Kalinga opens in Cagayan de Oro City
By: Marlyn Importante


The formal launching of Cagayan de Oro’s Kusina ng Kalinga was held at P.N Roa Sr. Elementary School Calaanan, Canitian, Cagayan de Oro City. It was a perfect day for the ribbon cutting ceremony and blessing of the kitchen led by Rustan’s CEO Erwin C. Lee and Gawad Kalinga Executive Director Luis Oquiñena. Rustan’s signed the partnership with GK last November 2016 to set up the kitchen in CDO and to initially feed 1,000 kids.

“This is a start with Gawad Kalinga to help feed the children; we hope there will be other places where we can help with.” – Erwin C. Lee, Rustan’s CEO

With Jun del Fierro of CFC GK CDO, Erwin C. Lee CEO Rustans, Luis Oquiñena GK ED, and DepEd Representatives


On the same day the CDO LGU, DepEd, and Gawad Kalinga signed a Memorandum of Agreement to feed 5,000 more kids in Misamis Oriental. According to Mayor Oscar Moreno, “Maraming mga bata sa Misamis Oriental lalo na 'yung nasa bundok na halos hindi makatingin ng straight sa harap. Dahil sa hirap, kapag tanungin mo kung ano ang gusto nila maging paglaki ay hindi makasagot. Ngayon makakapag-aral na dahil hindi na sila gutom, lalo na ang mga victims ng Sendong na nandito sa relocation ng Calaanan."

MOA signing with Mayor Oscar Moreno of CDO


Tropical storm Sendong with international name, Washi made its landfall in the Philippines on December 15, 2011 that resulted to the overflow of the Cagayan de Oro River causing massive flashfloods and landslides. Most of its casualties were from the city of Cagayan de Oro. Many became homeless and obtained shelter in Calaanan relocation centers.

First 1,000 elementary kids received their free lunch


Luis Oquiñena shared his message and challenged the present generation to invest in human capital especially in the children. "They are such gifts to this country that by doing nothing or not lifting a finger for their future would be the greatest sin that we, as a nation can do to our own people. Each time they experience hunger a portion of them dies."

CDO Kitchen team and volunteers


This partnership between LGU, DepEd, GK, and private sponsors like Rustan’s Supermarket will work hand-in-hand to feed 6,000 kids in Cagayan De Oro City. With this endeavor, we are making a big leap in ending hunger among Filipino children, and thus, taking a step closer at overcoming poverty.