Universal Cultural Foundation Inc (UCFI), a charitable arm of Universal Hotels and Resorts Inc (UHRI), has made remarkable strides in addressing malnutrition among students in Mandaue City. Their Php2 million (US$25,000) donation to Sacred Heart School Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) has significantly impacted the Blue Plate Project, a comprehensive feeding program initially launched in 2015.
Origins and Expansion of the Blue Plate Project
The Blue Plate Project was first initiated by Sacred Heart School Ateneo de Cebu in 2015, starting with Cubacub Elementary School as its pilot beneficiary. The project aimed to combat malnutrition by providing daily nutritious meals to students in need. Recognizing its success, SHS-AdC expanded the program to include additional public elementary schools in Mandaue City: Casili and Pagsabungan.
UCFI’s involvement began with a Php2 million donation in September 2023, marking a significant milestone in the project’s expansion. This funding supported various aspects of the initiative, including daily feeding costs, kitchen construction, and the provision of essential kitchen items and utensils.
Transformative Impact on Beneficiary Schools
The donation from UCFI enabled the construction of new kitchens in the beneficiary schools and supported daily meal programs for students classified as “wasted” and “severely wasted.” By May 2024, UCFI attended the blessing of these newly constructed kitchens and the culmination program of the Blue Plate Project.
The impact of the feeding program has been profound, with students receiving access to nutritious food for at least 120 days. This intervention is crucial as malnutrition adversely affects students’ health, school attendance, and academic performance. Improved nutrition has led to better health outcomes, increased school attendance, and enhanced academic performance among the students.
Broader Community Engagement and Initiatives
Beyond the Blue Plate Project, UCFI has engaged in several other community-focused initiatives. Their partnership with Emmanuel and Jinkee’s Pacquiao Heart Foundation resulted in the Feed The Poor Project in General Santos City in December 2023, addressing the needs of impoverished communities.
In addition, UCFI has supported the renovation of health and educational facilities in the Municipality of Opol, Misamis Oriental, and General Santos City throughout 2023 and 2024. These renovations are part of UCFI’s broader effort to improve infrastructure and support community development.
Financial Overview and Future Outlook
To date, UCFI has donated over Php10 million (US$125,000) to various causes across the Philippines. Their contributions span multiple sectors, including education, health, culture, and community development.
UCFI plans to continue expanding their impact through new projects and partnerships. Their ongoing collaboration with Sacred Heart School Ateneo de Cebu is a testament to their commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments.
UCFI’s Php2 million donation to the Blue Plate Project highlights their dedication to addressing malnutrition and supporting educational development in Mandaue City. Through their diverse initiatives, UCFI is making a significant difference in the lives of many Filipinos, demonstrating the power of targeted charitable efforts to drive meaningful change.