United in Service: The Church Leads Convening for Child and Maternal Health

“Health and nutrition are basic human rights—rights that can only be fulfilled when government, civil society, NGOs, our partners, and the community work hand in hand,” remarked Department of Health Assistant Secretary Gloria J. Balboa during her keynote address at the opening of the three-day Child Well-Being Convening Workshop held in Quezon City, Philippines, on August 13, 2025.

Hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the event brought together government leaders, health and nutrition experts, and humanitarian partners to review ongoing efforts and strengthen collaboration on child nutrition and women’s health initiatives across the country.

Other keynote speakers included Elder William K. Jackson, Second Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency of the Church, and Atty. Rosalina U. Bascao, Executive Director of the National Nutrition Council-Philippines (NNC), whose message was delivered by NNC Nutrition Officer II Ma. Lee L. Alpuerto. Elder Jackson expressed gratitude to those present for partnering with the Church and acknowledged the remarkable work their organizations are doing around the world. “The things people can accomplish if they put their minds to it really are amazing and outstanding,” he emphasized.

Also in attendance were Robert Hokanson, Global Priorities Senior Manager for Humanitarian Services of the Church; Abenir Pajaro, Philippines Area Welfare and Self-Reliance Manager; Dolly Reario, Philippines Country Program Manager of Helen Keller International (HKI); and Dr. Luz Escubil, Philippines Country Program Manager of Vitamin Angels.

Nearly a hundred nutrition experts and partners gathered to explore ways to improve the lives of children and women through nutrition. Delegates came from various countries, including the United States, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Nepal, Ghana, and Canada.

On August 14, morning breakout sessions focused on Best Practices of Integration, led by Humanitarian Project Managers from Church Headquarters: Robert Hokanson (Learning Agenda), Kylan Brown (MEAL Method), Honey Cross (Cross-Pollination), and Heather Bradbury (Thought Leadership). Participants shared experiences, learned from successful models in other countries, and explored how to apply these insights to strengthen programs and improve outcomes for children and families in their own communities.

Mai-Anh Hoang of HKI Asia expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with consortium partners and learn from the Church’s Child Nutrition Program. “It’s great to see how different strategies are used to fit the needs of the community,” she said.

Following the breakout sessions, delegates visited project sites across the Philippines to witness the impact of current programs and exchange insights on improving child and family outcomes. Two groups traveled to Gubat and Juban in Sorsogon; two others visited Bais and Tayasan in Negros Oriental. Another two groups went to Barangay Magsaysay and the birthing facility Bahai Arugaan ni Maria, both in Aborlan, Palawan. The seventh group visited the Barangay Health Unit in Corong-Corong, El Nido, Palawan.

On August 15, delegates spent the final day observing grassroots nutrition programs led by HKI, Vitamin Angels, and the Church. Municipal officials, health workers, and barangay leaders warmly welcomed the visitors, who witnessed the successful implementation of the Transforming Lives Through Nutrition (TLTN) project. Key initiatives included the distribution of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) to pregnant women, Vitamin A supplementation and deworming (VAS+D) for children aged 6–59 months, and the organized rollout of Mother-to-Mother (M2M) support groups—all made possible through strong support from local government units (LGUs).