Go!: a book on good nutrition for kids

This is an announcement from the Department of Science and Technology. 

MANILA, Philippines – The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and Adarna House, Inc. launched the nutrition big book, “Go!” on March 5, 2014 at McDonald’s Greenbelt, Makati City.

“Go!” is the 34th book in the Bright Minds Read (BMR) kit of RMHC. The BMR Program is RMHC’s partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) in support of the “Every-Child-a-Reader” Program.

The big book teaches children about the importance of good nutrition with focus on developing good eating habits. This includes eating the right kind and amount of food at the right time. As children develop skills in reading, creative and critical thinking, they will learn from the book the many sources of good quality energy-giving foods such as potatoes. They will also learn the importance of being physically active by engaging in sports.

“Go!” is the first partnership of the FNRI and RMHC. Mr. Bing Bachoco, Chief Finance Officer of McDonald’s-Philippines, Mr. George Yang, Chairman Emeritus of McDonald’s in the Philippines and Ms. Marie Angeles, Executive Director of RMHC, graced the event.

Bachoco said that educating children is one of McDonald’s advocacies through RMHC under their BMR Project. Various public elementary schools have benefited from this project and they are committed to providing additional resources and reaching more children in other areas of the country. He said “Go!” will be included in the BMR kit to be distributed in their partner schools and day care centers.

Dr. Mario Capanzana, DOST-FNRI Director, expressed how much the project means not only in educating children about nutrition per se but in helping address energy deficiency among children, as there is still a serious prevalence of underweight children in the country.

Ms. Lyn Almario, president of Adarna House, said that they are excited and energetic as well with the release of “Go!”, the second in the series of nutrition big books they are collaborating with FNRI. She also mentioned that Adarna House and RMHC have a long time partnership in producing quality Filipino children’s books that tackle various topics put in simple stories.

“Go!” hopes to encourage young children to practice good nutrition while nurturing the love for reading. The book is available in bookstores nationwide. – Charina A. Javier