HAPI-Duma organizes community kitchen: 1st project by new officers

By Roma Jane Hechanova

With July dubbed as Nutrition Month, HAPI-Dumaguete, led by its newly elected officers, organized a community kitchen at Silliman Park on July 23, 2022 in collaboration with Bantayan Women’s Association.

Approximately 60 attendees, including about 40 kids, participated in the event filled with games and healthy meals that were prepared by HAPI members themselves.

The organization prepared arroz caldo (chicken rice porridge), lumpia, hard-boiled eggs, bananas, and juice as funded by GO Humanity through its food security program. Additionally, dozens of eggs were donated by Dumagueteño civic leader Mr. Penn Larena.

This initiative is the first project implemented by HAPI-Dumaguete’s new set of officers. It was inspired by the five community kitchen activities organized by Bahaghari-Dumaguete and Kabataan Para sa Karapatan last June 2022 in which HAPI-Dumaguete consistently participated.

In their Mid-Year Strategic Planning held at Buglas Isla, Dumaguete last July 10, HAPI-Dumaguete elected the following: Donna Tenorio Darantinao as Lead Convenor, Franz Sotingco as Secretary, and Gwaineth Pabinguit as Treasurer.

During the community kitchen, Chief Executive Officer Javan Lev Poblador himself facilitated the games along with Roma Jane Hechanova; also present in the activity were HAPI Youth Ambassador Junelie Velonta, Jonas Gerdin, Jean Salgados, and the new officers.

HAPI-Dumaguete renews its commitment to host programs that help improve the community and advance humanity as rooted in every humanist’s set of values and advocacies.

This August, HAPI-Dumaguete will focus on re-organizing the chapter and improving their individual and collaborative skills through a two-day training and workshop with fellow HAPI member, Jong Pobaldor, as Speaker; specific dates will be announced soon.