Knights of Rizal Marks 75th Anniversary with a cause and a remarkable performances by Filipino acts and The Rainmakers
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
As part of its 75th founding anniversary celebration, the Knights of Rizal (KOR), a public corporation established under Republic Act No. 646 in 1951, unveiled a landmark national nutrition initiative aimed at improving the health and future of Filipino children.
Dubbed M.I.L.K. in the Philippines—which stands for Make Intelligent Lots of Kids in the Philippines—the program focuses on providing daily milk to underprivileged pregnant mothers throughout the critical first 1,000 days of a child's life, from pregnancy until the child reaches two years of age. Rather than feeding infants directly, the initiative prioritizes maternal nutrition to help ensure healthier pregnancies and better developmental outcomes for children.
According to Knights of Rizal Supreme Commander Dr. Manny Calairo, KGCR, the organization will initially implement the program for 15 consecutive months in partnership with various local government units (LGUs) across the country.
"Our goal is to provide sustained daily milk feeding to poor and nutritionally at-risk pregnant mothers, ideally beginning in the first trimester of pregnancy," Calairo explained. "By improving maternal nutrition, we hope to help prevent malnutrition that can lead to irreversible brain stunting in children after the age of two."
The initiative addresses a pressing national concern, with an estimated one in four Filipino children experiencing stunted growth due to chronic malnutrition.
During the Knights of Rizal's Gala Night held on July 28, 2026, at the Manila Hotel, Dr. Calairo announced that the M.I.L.K. Program had already begun its rollout in partnership with local governments. The first implementation took place in San Jose, Batangas on July 25, followed by Magdalena, Laguna on July 27, marking the start of what KOR hopes will become a nationwide campaign.
Joey Lina
The anniversary celebration also drew strong support from the entertainment industry and distinguished personalities who joined the organization in promoting the advocacy. Among those in attendance were iconic '70s and '80s musical group The Rainmakers, award-winning vocalists Gerphil Flores and Allison Gonzales, as well as Commander Lady Chatterly Alvaro-Sumbeling, PN, the Philippine Navy's renowned singing diva.
Also lending their support were rising P-pop group NOVA, along with singer, former senator, and Manila Hotel President Joey Lina, who graced the event in solidarity with the campaign.
The highlight of the event is the performance of The Rainmakers. The Rainmakers are a Filipino vocal group best known for their smooth harmonies and contributions to the Manila Sound and early Original Pilipino Music (OPM) scene. They first gained attention in the late 1960s as students from the University of Santo Tomas, where they were formed to compete in a student singing contest. After winning consecutive competitions, they turned professional in 1974.
Some of their best-known songs include:
- "Binibini" – their signature hit and one of the enduring classics of OPM.
- "Ale-Ale"
- "OK Ka Sa Akin"
- "Miss Maganda"
Their music blends catchy melodies with rich vocal harmonies, reflecting the easy-listening pop style that was popular in the Philippines during the 1970s. "Binibini" in particular has been covered by several Filipino artists over the years, helping introduce the song to newer generations.
Closing the celebration, Dr. Calairo echoed the timeless words of the country's national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal: "Ang kabataan ang kinabukasan ng ating bayan." He encouraged Filipinos to unite in investing in the nation's future by prioritizing the health and well-being of its youngest generation.
"Together, let us ensure a brighter future for our beloved Philippines by focusing on what truly matters—our children," Calairo said.
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