Universidad de Manila Launches YORMILK Feeding Program for Daycare Learners

In a strong demonstration of community partnership and public health advocacy, the Universidad de Manila (UDM), in collaboration with the City Government of Manila under the leadership of Hon Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” M. Domagoso, officially launched the YORMILK (Kaagapay ng Batang Maynila sa Paglaki) Daycare Center Feeding Program on February 25, 2026.

The initiative, spearheaded by the College of Health Sciences under the leadership of Dean Prof. Enriquito E. Mahinay Jr., and in collaboration with the University Research and Extension Linkages and International Affairs (URELIA) headed by Prof. Alistair Selerio, aims to provide nutritional support to preschool learners across Manila.

Strengthening Partnerships for Child Nutrition

The program was formalized following a coordination meeting held on February 11, 2025, at the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW), led by Mr. Jay R. Dela Fuente, City Government Head III, and Ms. Lindsay Kaye M. Javier, Social Welfare Officer V. The meeting laid the groundwork for the extension partnership that resulted in the implementation of the YORMILK project.

Through the strong support of UDM President Dr. Ma. Felma Carlos-Tria and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rejan Tadeo, the initiative was successfully realized as part of UDM CARES, the institutional extension program of URELIA.

The project team includes Prof. Alistair Selerio, Dr. Racidon Bernarte, Dr. Silvia C. Ambag, and Dean Prof. Enriquito E. Mahinay Jr., whose collaborative efforts ensured the smooth rollout of the program.

Program Coverage and Beneficiaries

The YORMILK Feeding Program will run from February 25, 2026 until March 16, 2026, benefiting a total of 467 daycare centers across 98 districts in Manila, starting with District I up to District VI and BASECO.

The first distribution was conducted in District V and BASECO, where 220 preschool learners received milk products. Simultaneously, 220 parents also benefited from free basic health services.

Beyond Feeding: Health Services for Parents

In addition to milk distribution, the College of Health Sciences deployed BS Nursing students to provide:

• Basic Nutritional Assessment
• Blood Pressure Monitoring
• Weight Measurement

This integrated approach ensures that not only children receive nutritional support, but parents are also empowered with essential health information.

Commitment to Community Engagement

The YORMILK project exemplifies UDM’s commitment to community engagement and public service through academic extension. As part of the UDM CARES framework, the initiative reflects the university’s mission to foster holistic development and promote public health within the City of Manila.

Through this collaborative effort between the City Government of Manila and Universidad de Manila, the YORMILK Feeding Program stands as a testament to the shared vision of nurturing healthier, stronger, and more resilient Batang Maynila.