As part of its ongoing work to advance community-led nutrition and sustainable development, Thrive Philippines welcomed Du-Baladad and Associates (BDB Law) and the BDB Law Foundation to Katutubo Village Elementary School in Porac, Pampanga on July 18, 2026. The visit, held as part of BDB Law’s 17th Anniversary celebration, brought together lawyers, staff, and foundation leaders to experience Thrive’s school meal program firsthand and explore opportunities for long-term collaboration with the Aeta community.
This milestone celebration is a statement of shared purpose. It reflected BDB Law’s growing commitment to addressing malnutrition, strengthening community livelihoods, and supporting sustainable development in remote and underserved areas.
Atty. Benedicta “Dick” Du‑Baladad: Leadership Rooted in Advocacy
The visit marked the first Thrive community engagement of Atty. Benedicta “Dick” Du‑Baladad as a new member of the Philippines Advisory Council. A multi-awarded accountant-lawyer, Atty. Du‑Baladad brings more than 40 years of expertise in tax law, corporate governance, and financial sector leadership.
Atty. Benedicta Du-Baladad is the newest member of Thrive Philippines Advisory Council
Beyond her professional achievements, Atty. Du‑Baladad has long championed community development through the BDB Law Foundation, which has built school facilities in remote areas and supported projects in education, livelihood, environmental protection, and health.
Her decision to join Thrive’s Advisory Council stems from a deep alignment with Thrive’s mission. She has been vocal in urging the corporate sector to view malnutrition as a fundamental business concern –warning that the country’s economic future is at risk if children’s physical and cognitive development continues to be compromised by hunger.
“Malnutrition is not just a health issue. It is an economic one,” she has emphasized in various forums. “If we do not invest in children’s nutrition today, we compromise the productivity and competitiveness of tomorrow’s workforce.”
Supporting School Meals, Strengthening Community Livelihoods
During the visit, Thrive introduced the BDB Law Foundation team to its school meal program, where local mothers prepare nutritious meals that keep children in school while providing dignified livelihood opportunities within the community.
Members of Team BDB help Katutubo Village moms prepare pinakbet, the dish of the day.
BDB Law Foundation also joined Thrive in classroom activities, spending time with students through storytelling, drawing, and creative learning sessions.
Parallel to these activities, Thrive and BDB Law Foundation leaders met with the local government, tribal council, and community representatives for a consultative dialogue. The discussion focused on identifying opportunities where BDB Law Foundation could support:
- Sustainable farming initiatives
- Livelihood programs for mothers and farmers
- Community-led environmental stewardship
- Infrastructure improvements that strengthen education and nutrition systems
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BDB law Foundation leaders in consultative meeting with Katutubo Village elders through introductions by Thrive and Katutubo Village Elementary School Head, Analisa David
A Partnership for the Long Term
The visit demonstrated how meaningful partnerships can strengthen community-led solutions to child malnutrition. By bringing together the expertise, resources, and shared values of Thrive Philippines and the BDB Law Foundation, the collaboration laid the groundwork for initiatives that extend beyond school meals to encompass livelihood, sustainable agriculture, and community development.
(top) Team BDB Law serving lunch they helped prep and cook for kids. (bottom) Katutubo Village Elementary students hold up hygiene kits provided by BDB Law Foundation.
With Atty. Du-Baladad joining Thrive Philippines’ Advisory Council and the BDB Law Foundation expressing its commitment to deeper engagement, this partnership marks an encouraging step toward creating lasting opportunities for Aeta communities. Together, Thrive and BDB Law share the belief that every child deserves not only nourishment, but also the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
This is only the beginning of a partnership built on purpose, compassion, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive.
