NAVOTAS City Mayor John Reynald Tiangco said on Tuesday that the local government has entered into a partnership with A Child’s Trust Is Ours to Nurture (Action), Inc. for the establishment of a community-based kitchen at a public elementary school.

Tiangco and Action founder and President Hajime Yokota signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU), formalizing the collaboration, which seeks to improve the health and nutrition of 100 select children from Tanza Elementary School through the Akamegane Kitchen project.

Named after its founding supporter, Japanese comedian and TV host Ryota Yamasato, the Akamegane Kitchen began operations on Aug. 28, 2025.

Navotas inks deal for school feeding project

The facility is staffed by three locally hired personnel, who serve daily school lunch prepared to meet nutritional standards.

“We welcome this partnership with Action, Inc. and its supporters. Proper nutrition plays a vital role in learning, and through this project, we hope to give our children a better chance to achieve their full potential," Tiangco said.

Navotas inks deal for school feeding project, This news data comes from:http://www.gyglfs.com

Under the deal, Action will shoulder the cost of establishing and operating the kitchen, provide meals to the beneficiaries, monitor their health progress, and submit regular reports to its donors — Yamasato, InfiniVan Inc. and Junnoke Kobayashi.

Meanwhile, the city government will provide the physical space, utilities, permits, training, and continuous technical assistance to ensure safe and quality food preparation.

The project will run until August 2028, with both parties conducting annual assessments to determine its impact and sustainability.

Tiangco expressed his gratitude to Action and its donors, noting that the initiative reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to child welfare and education.

“This is more than just providing meals — it is about giving our children the nourishment they need to grow healthy and learn effectively. We are grateful for Action’s trust and generosity, and we hope more partners will join us in uplifting the lives of Navoteño children,” Tiangco said.