Philstar.com
November 28, 2025 | 10:40am
MANILA, Philippines — Diarrhea remains one of the leading causes of death among children under five years old —both globally and in the Philippines—according to the Department of Health. Despite being preventable, it continues to threaten Filipino children, largely due to limited access to clean water, sanitation, and proper nutrition.
The Philippine Statistics Authority reports that many Filipinos still live below the poverty line, where food security and hygiene often take a backseat to daily survival. These conditions make children more vulnerable to malnutrition and diseases that can hinder their growth and development.
Launched in 2022 by Erceflora Probiotics in partnership with Save the Children, Batang Matatag was created to address this urgent problem by improving gut health and building children’s resilience against illness. What began as a grassroots effort in Badjao communities in BARMM and Lanao Del Norte has since evolved into a nationwide movement.
As Batang Matatag marks its fourth year, the milestone reflects more than time passed—it highlights how a community-led effort can spark lasting change. Now reaching 68,000 beneficiaries in BARM and Luzon through Save the Children and 40,000 students in Luzon through Manila Water, the program continues to expand its impact. From classrooms to entire communities, the message is clear: resilience begins with health, and every child deserves the chance to thrive.
“We’re excited to embark on another year of empowering children and communities to live healthier lives. Resilience begins with good gut health—and every child deserves the chance to grow, thrive, and face the future with strength and confidence,” said Rica Mateo, Erceflora ASEA Zone brand lead
The journey so far: Four years of impact
Launched in 2022 in partnership with Save the Children, Batang Matatag built community kitchens in Badjao communities across BARMM and Lanao del Norte, reaching over 19,000 individuals and achieving a 100% improvement in community health levels.
In 2023, the campaign invested in WASH facilities and additional kitchens in Toril, Sama Bajau, and Higaonon communities, training 1,000 adolescents in leadership and 500 residents in health and nutrition.
Within just five months, areas that once recorded 58% moderate to severe malnutrition saw children return to normal health levels. Building on this success, Batang Matatag extended its impact to Rizal, introducing mobile handwashing stations, WASH caravans, and water filtration systems for more accessible hygiene education.
By 2024, the campaign strengthened its presence in Rizal through a partnership with the Manila Water Foundation (MWF), helping the campaign with the reach and technical expertise through completing hygiene promotion sessions, WASH caravans and nutrition classes.
Over 2,500 hygiene kits were distributed to students, while 126 schools across Rizal and BARMM received Brigada Eskwela cleaning kits. The program also trained health professionals in 68 Antipolo public schools on the role of probiotics and effective diarrhea management.
“Every milestone is proof that real, measurable impact happens when communities take ownership,” said Mateo. “Our goal is to keep empowering local leaders and families so they can sustain these practices long after the programs end.”
With new water pumps and handwashing stations, the campaign has now reached over 65,000 individuals—a strong testament to its growing reach and sustainable community impact.
“Manila Water Foundation welcomes synergies for WASH and is grateful for the continuing partnership with Erceflora. Since 2024, this collaboration has installed Refrigerated Drinking Fountains (RDFs) in schools, supporting the health and hydration needs of learners and everyone on campus, encouraging eco-efforts with the use of water tumblers over single-use plastic,” said Nix Hipolito, operations section head, Manila Water Foundation.
“Together with Erceflora and Save the Children, we’re not just installing facilities—we’re building healthier habits and stronger communities.”
With every new partnership, Batang Matatag’s reach grew even wider— transforming what began as a small grassroots effort into a nationwide movement for raising a healthier, more resilient generation. This 2025 alone, the program reached 108,000 students across 32 schools in BARMM and Luzon and, for the first time, provided new WASH facilities to three schools in the Greater Manila Area: Cuyambay Elementary School in Rizal, Taguig Integrated School, and Cipriano P. Sta. Teresa Elementary School in Taguig.
Through strong partnerships and sustained commitment, Batang Matatag has expanded its impact tenfold over the past four years—and remains dedicated to reaching even more schools and communities in the years ahead.
Beyond awareness: building lasting resilience
As Batang Matatag enters its next chapter, the campaign is committed to long-term, community-driven change. Because raising stronger, healthier and more resilient children begins with a community that grows together.
“Batang Matatag is a vision that Manila Water Foundation supports – that school children develop habits for health enabled by water access, sanitation, and hygiene or WASH,” said Hipolito. “Every WASH-empowered campus brings us closer to a future where no child is left behind.”
“We’re proud to see Batang Matatag evolve into a true movement for resilience,” Mateo concludes. “At Erceflora, we believe good health builds strong futures—and together, we’re making that possible.”
From small beginnings to nationwide impact, Batang Matatag continues to shape a brighter, healthier future for Filipino children—expanding to more schools and communities to nurture even more Batang Matatag nationwide.
MAHALAGANG PAALALA: ANG ERCEFLORA GUT DEFENSE AT ERCEFLORA GUT RESTORE AY HINDI GAMOT AT HINDI DAPAT GAMITING PANGGAMOT SA ANUMANG URI NG SAKIT?
MAT-PH-2501416 / Ver 1.0 / DA 11-2025 / DM 11-2025
Opella Healthcare Philippines Inc.
Editor’s Note: This press release is sponsored by Erceflora. It is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.
