Empowering the Senior Citizens of Barangay New Zaniga through New Livelihood and Wellness Opportunities
On July 27, 2024, Barangay New Zaniga of Mandaluyong City launched a new initiative to empower its senior citizens by offering new livelihood and wellness opportunities. The event, titled Talas ng Gatas: Nutrition at mga Negosyo na Gawa ng Gatas, was a strategic collaboration among CTC Group Philippines, the Barangay Nutrition Committee, the Rotary Club of Mandaluyong Uptown, and Excelsis Pharma, with sponsorship from Dana UHT Milk and DiabetCare Gold.
The program kicked off with an engaging presentation by Ms. Julie Usaraga, Customer Care Associate from the New Business Development of CTC Group Philippines. She provided an overview of the local dairy industry, highlighting not only the nutritional benefits of dairy for a balanced diet but also the exciting business opportunities in the industry. Her talk was full of practical insights designed to inspire attendees and spark their entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging them to consider starting their own small businesses.
Following the discussion on business opportunities in the dairy industry,
Mr. Aidee Magtoto, Sales Manager of Excelsis Pharma, presented an educational overview of diabetes, discussing its various types, causes, prevention strategies, and the crucial role of proper supplementation. This insightful segment was particularly significant given the high prevalence of diabetes among the elderly. Mr. Aidee also introduced one of their own products, DiabetCare Gold—an adult nutritional supplement formulated to help manage and prevent diabetes. He emphasized its benefits in promoting wellness among senior citizens. Following his educational presentation, the attendees had the opportunity to taste test the product, allowing them to experience its benefits firsthand.
Mr. Aidee Magtoto, Sales Manager of Excelsis Pharma, presented an educational overview of diabetes, discussing its various types, causes, prevention strategies, and the crucial role of proper supplementation. This insightful segment was particularly significant given the high prevalence of diabetes among the elderly. Mr. Aidee also introduced one of their own products, DiabetCare Gold—an adult nutritional supplement formulated to help manage and prevent diabetes. He emphasized its benefits in promoting wellness among senior citizens. Following his educational presentation, the attendees had the opportunity to taste test the product, allowing them to experience its benefits firsthand.
The final part of the program was led by Ms. Wendy Lyn R. Reyes, Innovations and Applications Lab Supervisor from CTC Group Philippines, who delivered an informative talk on food safety handling. She presented essential practices for ensuring food quality and safety, vital knowledge for those considering starting their own small businesses. To demonstrate the application of food safety principles, Ms. Reyes conducted a live cooking demonstration, preparing different pastries using CTC’s Dana UHT Milk and flavor ingredients. Participants from the audience were invited to assist in some of the steps, providing hands-on experience in practical applications. This interactive session not only emphasized the importance of food safety, but also delighted attendees with delicious recipes that could inspire future business ideas.
More than just a series of educational talks, the initiative aimed to enrich the lives of Barangay New Zaniga's senior citizens. By combining nutrition education with business training, the organizers sought to equip attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue new ventures, fostering both health and financial independence. The successful execution of Talas ng Gatas is a testament to the power of community collaboration in creating a supportive environment for the elderly.