The Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Basilan, Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), and the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF), has inaugurated the first Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) Central Kitchen in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The launch was held on June 26, 2025, at the Provincial Government of Basilan Compound in Isabela City.
Serving Vulnerable Communities in Basilan
The BLT Central Kitchen aims to provide nutritious meals to young children up to five years old, as well as pregnant and lactating women in Isabela City and Lantawan. This initiative represents a united effort from local leaders, community stakeholders, and national partners to improve nutrition and food security for the most vulnerable sectors.
The project originated from discussions led by organizations under LCF’s Initiative for Food Security, Nutrition, and Empowerment (LIFE) Program in 2024. ZFF, which had ongoing programs in the province, supported the endeavor. Since its launch, Basilan has been one of LIFE’s key focus areas, which led to LCF’s role in the partnership.
Recognizing the urgency of addressing malnutrition in Basilan, particularly among children and mothers, the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU), under Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman, partnered with JGF to establish the region’s first BLT Central Kitchen.
Strong Commitment from Local Partners
“We chose to begin in Basilan not only because of the high need, but also because of the strong commitment of the local government,” said LA Cruzat, JGF’s Program Director. “Kami po sa Jollibee Group Foundation ay puno ng pag-asa na mapapatakbo nang mahusay ang BLT Kitchen upang sa ganon ay marami pa tayong maabot at matulungan, hindi lang dito sa Basilan kundi sa iba pang probinsya sa BARMM.”
(“We at Jollibee Group Foundation are hopeful that the BLT Kitchen will run smoothly so that we may reach many others, not just here in Basilan but in other provinces across the BARMM as well.”)
The partnership plans to conduct capacity-building training for Central Kitchen operations, along with recipe simulation activities to ensure that the meals served are Muslim-friendly.
Expanding BLT Kitchens Nationwide
The Basilan BLT Central Kitchen is part of JGF’s broader effort to address child malnutrition and stunting nationwide. To date, 37 BLT kitchens have been established across the country. Of these, 33 are operational, while 4 are newly constructed. Fifteen kitchens now serve as Kitchen Training Centers.
In 2024 alone, BLT kitchens provided meals to 24,844 children in 250 schools. These kitchens operate under JGF’s Joy of Learning program, which promotes community-based solutions to combat malnutrition.
Building a Model for BARMM and Beyond
The BLT Central Kitchen model emphasizes collaboration, combining resources, expertise, and a shared goal to improve health outcomes. By working closely with government units, private organizations, and local communities, the program offers a sustainable and inclusive approach to food security.
This milestone in Basilan marks a significant step toward building a network of community-led nutrition programs in BARMM. The project serves as an example of how strategic partnerships can address critical health challenges while empowering local stakeholders to take an active role in the solution.
For more information about Jollibee Group, visit the official Jollibee Group website.
