PIKIT, North Cotabato??People are friendly when their stomachs are full, and nutrition brings children to schools,? actress KC Concepcion said during her visit to battle-scarred villages here on Monday.

KC led the distribution of food to impoverished children in barangays Nunungan and Kalakakan?where a feeding program is ongoing?on her first provincial trip since becoming the UN World Food Program?s (WFP) national ambassador against hunger.

She was accompanied by WFP Country Director Valerie Guarnieri.

?I am very glad to learn that the feeding program improves school attendance as well as parents? involvement in school activities,? KC said.

She vowed to bring the issue of poverty and hunger before her stepfather Senator Francis Pangilinan.

?I am supporting this feeding program,? she said. ?If other nationalities are helping us Filipinos, I cannot turn a blind eye to this condition.?

KC seemed unmindful of the heat as she mingled with the children, talking to them, even kissing some of them. Later, she read them a story.

Priority

In an interview with the Inquirer, the enthusiastic envoy said she would make more time for the feeding project.

?This is my priority,? KC said. ?I feel fulfilled doing this for less privileged kids.?

Guarnieri told the media: ?We brought KC here because we want her to bring the voice of Mindanao to Manila. And she came with us because she wanted to see the situation for herself.?

Edwin Fernandez with a report from Jeoffrey Maitem, Inquirer Mindanao