Hot Meals, Happy Bellies, and a Stronger Future in Porac
It’s hard to learn on an empty stomach—we’ve seen firsthand how true this is. This July, in order to bring school meals to many more children, Thrive officially launched its Thrive Thousands Project in Katutubo Village Elementary School, in Porac, Pampanga. A powerful ripple effect has already been felt across the community.
Katutubo Village Elementary students lining up for their daily lunch served by volunteer moms
Leadership That Moves Mountains: Teacher Shane’s Impact
Katutubo Village isn’t just a new feeding site—it’s a major achievement for Thrive and a milestone moment for an indigenous Aeta community. Starting now, daily hot, nutritious meals will be served to every child enrolled in the school. And thanks to the leadership of Head Teacher Shane Duque, the impact began well before the first pot started to boil.
Just days after our partnership was formalized, Teacher Shane shared the news with families, encouraging them to enroll early so their children would benefit from the feeding program. Her dedication paid off: enrollment soared from about 180 students last year to nearly 240 this year, the highest it’s ever been under her leadership!
Meet Marites: A Mother, A Cook, A Community Leader
When we launched Thrive Thousands, Marites was one of the first to raise her hand. Before joining the program, her work options were limited—sporadic day labor in the city or farming in her tribe’s ancestral lands deep the mountains, far from her children.
Today, she prepares Thrive meals right in the school, nourishing not only her own kids but every student who walks through the gates. She’s become a steady presence in the kitchen, a trusted figure in the school, and a rising leader in the feeding program. Her story is just beginning—and we can’t wait to share more in the weeks ahead.
A Father’s Memory and a Community’s Commitment
One of the most powerful moments during our launch came from PTA President Jhayel Abuque. Through quiet tears, he recalled that when he went to school, he often struggled with hunger. That hardship never left him—and it’s why he worked so hard to rally support for the Thrive initiative. His voice carried the weight of lived experience, and his leadership was instrumental in helping build trust and excitement throughout the village.
Government Backing That Multiplies Your Impact
And the support didn’t stop there. The local government stepped in swiftly and wholeheartedly, committing to shoulder the cost of fuel and water for meal preparation. These kinds of counterpart contributions stretch every dollar donated to Thrive, allowing us to serve more children while making the program truly community driven.
Top left and bottom left: Thrive representatives Charis Raya and Eli Pajarito; Center standing and seated: Officials from the local government of Porac; Seated far right: Teacher Shane Duque, head of Katutubo Village Elementary School
Building Toward Thrive Thousands
Katutubo Village marks the first step in the Thrive Thousands Project goal of feeding 10,000 kids every day by 2025 and 30,000 a day by 2028. It’s a beautiful convergence of care: children are fed, the mothers who prepare the food are empowered by new income, and community leaders are activated.
And behind it all are donors like you, propelling the movement! Thank you for believing in this vision. Your critical support feeds children and fuels change.
Warmly,
Eli Pajarito, Operations Manager
Charis Raya, Thrive Thousands Project Director
