When I was a kid, I thought “nutritious” meant “boring.” My mom would pack me vegetables, and I’d trade them for chips behind the classroom. (Sorry, Ma.) Years later, after a health scare in college and learning how nutrition affects learning, mood, and energy, I realized how crucial proper nutrition really is — not just for adults but especially for growing kids.
That’s why this new initiative from Unilever Philippines and the Department of Education (DepEd) caught my attention. It’s not just another campaign — it’s a movement to make nutrition fun, accessible, and sustainable for Filipino families.
A Partnership That Nourishes Minds and Bodies
In October 2024, Unilever Philippines, through its beloved brand Knorr, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DepEd to roll out nutrition education programs nationwide. The goal? To empower learners and families to make informed food choices even with limited resources.
As Marinelle Villanueva, Foods Marketing Head of Unilever Philippines, beautifully put it:
“Education is a powerful tool. When people are empowered with the right information, even with limited resources, they can make better decisions for themselves and their families.”
This isn’t just corporate talk — it’s a science-backed, community-driven initiative. The collaboration is anchored on The Makulay ang Buhay EduTainment series, produced with GMA Network, and the Knorr NutriSarap Recipe Booklet, co-developed with the DOST-FNRI (Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute).
The Makulay Revolution: Learning Through Laughter and Food
When the pilot run launched at Taguig Integrated School in July 2024, over 300 students, parents, and teachers gathered for what felt more like a festival than a classroom event. There were nutrition-themed games, screenings of the Makulay ang Buhay episodes, and live cooking demos.
And honestly, that’s the secret ingredient — engagement.
Kids (and adults!) learn best when learning is fun and relevant. The EduTainment series turns complex nutrition science into simple, relatable stories, showing Filipino families that “nutritious” doesn’t mean “expensive” or “hard to cook.”
Did You Know?
According to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), 1 in 4 Filipino children suffers from malnutrition. This program aims to close that gap through education, not just donations.
Empowering 40,000 Schools — One USB at a Time
One of the most brilliant parts of this rollout is its reach. Unilever and DepEd distributed 40,000 USB drives containing the Makulay ang Buhay EduTainment episodes to schools nationwide — even those without stable internet.
This means even rural schools can access the same quality learning tools as urban centers. It’s a subtle but powerful step toward educational equity — bridging not just the nutrition gap but the digital one too.
And from a teacher’s standpoint? It’s ready-to-use, relatable material that helps reinforce DepEd’s Gulayan sa Paaralan and School-Based Feeding Programs.
A Personal Take: From Guilty Snacker to Conscious Eater
When I started working from home, I fell into the “instant noodles trap.” Easy, salty, and, well… soul-comforting. But after covering stories like this, I started experimenting with simple veggie recipes from Knorr’s NutriSarap Booklet — adding malunggay to tinola, replacing fried snacks with boiled camote.
And the result? I felt more alert, more energetic, and oddly… proud. Because nourishing yourself is a quiet kind of self-respect.
It reminded me that change doesn’t have to be loud or complicated. Sometimes it starts with the smallest things — like learning what truly nourishes you.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Nutrition isn’t only a health issue — it’s a learning issue, an equity issue, and a future issue. When kids are well-nourished, they focus better, learn faster, and dream bigger.
Programs like this prove that corporate social responsibility can go beyond logos and photo ops — it can reshape communities.
As someone who once thought veggies were punishment, I find this partnership deeply hopeful. It’s a reminder that transformation starts with small, everyday choices — a handful of malunggay, a lesson in class, a shared meal at home.
The Heart of the Matter
Unilever and DepEd’s nutrition education partnership shows what happens when public and private sectors align for the common good — a more informed, nourished, and empowered generation of Filipinos.
And maybe, just maybe, those kids trading vegetables today will grow up to teach others the true meaning of “Makulay ang Buhay.”
So tell me — what’s one food memory or healthy habit that changed your life? Share it in the comments below. Your story might just inspire someone to start theirs.