BANGUED, Abra – The Provincial Nutrition Committee (PNC) strengthened its campaign to fight malnutrition in the province by launching the nutrition caravan in the 10 municipalities with the most number of malnourished children. With PNC as the lead, the nutrition caravan is jointly sponsored by the Abra Medical Society, the Rotary Club of Bangued, and the Philippine Red Cross.

Dr. Joel B. Beleno, president of the Abra Medical Society, said the nutrition caravan has various components, including pediatric consultations, classes for mothers, oral hygiene, and the supplemental feeding and deworming of children. It was earlier launched in Tineg.

The top 10 nutritionally depressed municipalities are Lagayan, Villaviciosa, Langiden, San Isidro, Pidigan, Lacub, Tayum, La Paz, Bucay, and Tineg.

Based on the latest Operation Timbang, Abra registered the most number of malnourished children age zero to five years old among the six provinces in the Cordillera.

Municipal Nutrition Action Officers supervises annually the conduct of the Operation Timbang Plus every first quarter of the year that measures the nutritional status of the 0-71 months children in all barangays.
“It is embarrassing to learn that Abra is again rank one in malnutrition in the region. We need to graduate from this status now,” Gov. Ma. Jocelyn V. Bernos told the PNC.

Aside from the nutrition caravan, the Department of Education was also reminded of the administrative order to prohibit sale of junk foods in school canteens.

The Philippine Information Agency, for its part, has intensified its information, education, and communication campaign to educate parents on the proper nutrition of their families, especially their children. Breastfeeding is likewise being advocated to promote the health and nutrition of both the mother and the child. by Maria Teresa B. Beñas / PIA