Zonta Club of Muntinlupa and Environs Foundation Inc drives change through powerful initiatives

The Zonta Club of Muntinlupa and Environs Foundation Inc, Philippines, continues to champion the health, education and empowerment of women and children through a series of impactful programs, reinforcing its mission to build a better world for women and girls.

One of its major initiatives, the “Say NO to Teenage Pregnancy” School Caravan, was held from 26 November to 9 December, 2024, across five public high schools in Muntinlupa City. Reaching 1,550 students, the caravan featured educational sessions led by health experts and advocates, informing young people about the risks of early pregnancy and empowering them to make informed decisions for a healthy and productive future.

In parallel, the club launched Tulong Pangarap ng Zonta (TPZ)—a scholarship program supporting 27 college students from Muntinlupa. Started in 2022 and now in its third year, TPZ has not only provided financial aid but also helped establish the club’s first Golden Z club in November 2024. This platform nurtures young women’s leadership, community engagement and advocacy skills, ensuring that each scholar is empowered to fulfill her potential.

The Zonta club is also addressing one of the country’s most urgent issues—malnutrition among children—through its school-based Feeding Program, launched in 2019. With an alarming rate of child malnutrition in the Philippines, the program serves children under five with scientifically developed, nutrient-rich meals over 180 days a year. Meals like mongo rice with chicken and chicken arroz caldo are prepared by volunteer mothers, combining nutrition education with hands-on community involvement.

To ensure sustainability, the club incorporates hygiene education, vegetable gardening and values formation. The program not only nourishes bodies but also instills a sense of purpose and resilience through spiritual teachings and life skills. To empower families, the program introduces backyard gardening, teaching parents how to cultivate easy-to-grow vegetables like malunggay, saluyot and eggplant. This not only improves access to nutritious food but also fosters self-sufficiency and resilience within the community.

The feeding program aligns with the broader goal of achieving zero hunger by 2030. By addressing the root causes of malnutrition and fostering community involvement, the program seeks to ensure that children can realize their full potential. As the saying goes, "Our children are the hope of our Fatherland." The club continues to contribute to a healthier, more educated future for the next generation.