Isang Bata Isang Tasa

01/04/2026

16/01/2026

Returning to Where We Started

As January arrives and I is almost finished, I am filled with gratitude for the friends and supporters who have stood by me throughout this journey. Your unwavering support has allowed me to continue ending my birth month with a simple celebration for the children in my village of San Pedro. It has been a while since I last hosted this gathering, but this year feels different. I am working with the Barangay Health Centre to start a sustainability plan, bringing me back to why I began over 15 years ago.

My journey has never been easy or settled. I started adulthood when I left the Philippines for Cambodia. I mostly grew up on my own, with family and love far away, and work as my steady companion. That work took me to different countries, introduced me to many people, and gave me the chance to help others by sharing knowledge and making a difference in their lives.

What keeps me rooted in the Philippines is my family: my parents and the little girl we raised during one of my extended visits home. My mother passed away soon after, and I went back overseas, while my sister stayed to care for our father. Together, we kept Isang Bata, Isang Tasa (IBIT), going.

IBIT started in 2008 as a family tradition every January, just two years before my mother passed away. It was a simple program with food and small gifts, often supported by friends who shared my passion. Even with limited resources, we celebrated every year. In its 10th year, I decided to dream bigger and registered IBIT as a local group focused on nutrition for preschool children, hoping that every child in my city could start school healthy in body and mind.

But sometimes dreams are interrupted. Soon after I made IBIT official and recovered from my injuries, I got a position to help with one of East Africa’s biggest humanitarian crises. I stayed there for almost seven years, including the three years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, almost twenty years later, IBIT has not fully reached its goal. I mostly carried the dream alone, but thanks to some friends who shared their time, resources, and encouragement.

As priorities changed, the work was left unfinished. Still, one thing stands out: as part of CP Cares PH, IBIT supported children with disabilities. Over the years, we have given out more than 100 blenders, making it easier for parents to prepare healthy meals and giving them more time with their families.

With two years left before IBIT's 20th anniversary, I have decided to end this chapter and plan for what comes next. Before that, I will hold one last celebration, staying true to how it all started. I hope you will join me in any way you can to honor this journey and the children who inspired it. Whether you attend in person, make donations, or help spread the word, your involvement will be invaluable. Your support helps make this final event memorable and ensures the spirit of IBIT continues to inspire and provide for those in need.

~ dee end ~

15/10/2025

With its successful rollout yesterday, the inaugural Purokalusugan not only delivered community-based health services—it also introduced key aspects of the Nurturing Care Framework, emphasizing parents as central partners in their children’s growth and development.

How many remembered my talk is up for discussion??? 🤔💭👏

The health department team successfully organized the event of the day. Kudos 👏💯🎉

10/10/2025

Barangay Laram will hold its first Purok Kalusugan event on Wednesday, 15 October, from 8:00 AM onwards.

IBIT will participate in one of the booths and will talk about of children under five years old. We hope to see you there.

Kita-kits!

01/08/2025

31/07/2025

🥗 Healthy Eating Tips for Pregnant Mothers
Supporting life, one bite at a time.

💚 7. Food is Connection
- Share meals with family or community when possible — it nurtures not just the body, but the soul
- Celebrate local, fresh ingredients and cultural dishes that fuel both health and identity

31/07/2025

🥗 Healthy Eating Tips for Pregnant Mothers
Supporting life, one bite at a time.

🚫 6. Know What to Avoid
- Say no to raw or undercooked meats and eggs, unpasteurized dairy, and high-mercury fish (like swordfish and mackerel)
- Avoid street foods that may pose hygiene risks during pregnancy

30/07/2025

🥗 Healthy Eating Tips for Pregnant Mothers
Supporting life, one bite at a time.

🍽️ 5. Mind the Portions, Trust the Signals
- Eat small, frequent meals to manage nausea and boost energy
- Listen to your body's hunger cues — don’t force yourself, but don’t skip meals either

30/07/2025

🥗 Healthy Eating Tips for Pregnant Mothers
Supporting life, one bite at a time.

🚰 4. Hydration is Key
- Drink plenty of clean water throughout the day
- Limit sugary drinks and avoid caffeine and alcohol entirely

29/07/2025

🥗 Healthy Eating Tips for Pregnant Mothers
Supporting life, one bite at a time.

🍳 3. Embrace Iron & Folate
- Prevent anemia and support fetal growth with eggs, lean meats, lentils, and fortified cereals
- Take a prenatal supplement with folic acid as advised by your health provider

29/07/2025

🥗 Healthy Eating Tips for Pregnant Mothers
Supporting life, one bite at a time.

🥛 2. Keep Calcium in Check
- Strengthen bones and support baby's development with milk, cheese, yogurt, or plant-based alternatives
- Add leafy greens like kale and broccoli for extra calcium power