GOTA DE LECHE (A Drop of Milk) — registered in 1907 as La Protección de la Infancia, Inc. (The Protection of Infants) — is the country’s oldest citizen-led charity organization, and to this day, it continues to provide nutrition to indigent malnourished children from ages three to seven through milk rationing and pediatric care. For breastfeeding mothers, it provides nutritious brown rice, malunggay leaves, food packs, and medical care.
The charitable services have continued uninterrupted by World War II, epidemics, and other disasters, and are provided totally free of charge. Still working out of its original Sampaloc, Manila location, its historic 100-year-old building was the work of Arcadio and Juan Arellano, considered among the founding fathers of Philippine architecture. A UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awardee, the historic building is declared an Important Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines.
Gota de Leche’s achievements include the establishment of the first pre-war dairy farm in the Philippines in the what was then considered the far-off suburb of Pasay, the first puericulture centers taking care of children and their mothers, and the Manila Children’s Hospital, the country’s first pediatric hospital.
Among 1907 incorporators were members of the Asocación Feminista de Filipinas (Feminist Association of the Philippines) members, Trinidad Rizal (sister of the hero José Rizal), Concepcion Felix, together with other educated and forward-thinking women of the time. The incorporation papers were written by Felipe Calderón, one of the framers of the Philippine Constitution. Among its supporters were the maternity and child care advocate, Dr. José Fabella, the Commissioner of Public Welfare Board from 1914-1921 and the first Secretary of Health and Public Welfare under the Quezon government. Another active member was the first woman Supreme Court Justice, Natividad Almeda Lopez who managed Gota de Leche for many years.
The original beneficiaries were originally limited to Metro Manila residents, but after supertyphoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) hit the country in 2013, Gota de Leche began relief and outreach programs in cooperation with NGO partners, benefiting thousands of geographically isolated and vulnerable families in Northern and Central Luzon, and the Visayas. Now duly accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Gota de Leche is legally qualified to receive funds and implement government-funded projects.
To help fund its operations, Gota de Leche is coming out with its 2017 Desk Calendar. All proceeds will go towards funding the feeding and outreach programs. The desk calendar, a tent-type standee that measures 7” high by 6” wide, includes handsome black and white sketches of its heritage building and other historic structures in Manila drawn by noted landscape architect and Philippine Star columnist Paulo Alcazaren.
The calendars — which cost P300 each — can be ordered by calling 516-0542, mobile 0922-595-4941, or through e-mail at gota2017calendar@gmail.com. Delivery is free within Metro Manila for minimum purchase of 11 pieces; for 10 pieces and below there is a flat P50 delivery charge. The calendars can be shipped outside of Metro Manila at an additional charge.
