KABUGAO, Apayao, May 7 (PIA) - The municipality of Kabugao has achieved its 2014 Millennium Development Goals (MDG) target in terms of weight for age.

Municipal Health Officer, Dr. PJ Ukkong, reported this to the Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) during the conduct of Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) last month.

Record shows that in 2008, Kabugao has a malnutrition rate of 22.26. in 2014, it has gone down to 12.17. “Kung weight ang pag uusapan na achieve na ng Kabugao ang MDG at na half na rin namin iyong data ng 2008,” Ukkong said.

She clarified that the result for 2014 is only weight for age. Wasting and stunting were not included because according to Ukkong, it was previously agreed that these will be fully implemented in 2015.

For 2015, the reports are being validated but initially the present the rate is 9.17. Ukkong said they are hopeful that it will still go down when the first quarter Operation Timbang results will be out.

She likewise reported that the malnutrition rate of 0-59 years old and school children from 2008-2014 is on a downtrend.

The MHO shared that 1.42% or P1,544,800.00 of the total municipal budget goes to the nutrition programs.

Among the nutrition programs being implemented are: Home, School and Community Food Production which includes distribution of seeds, seedlings and cuttings; establishment of fruit and vegetable gardens; distribution of poultry, livestock and fingerlings; micronutrient supplementation (Vitamin A) and Iron; supplemental feeding; food fortification, and Maternal, Neonatal Child Health and Nutrition.

She also informed that there are eight barangay health stations, two of which were converted to birthing home and birthing facility. – Ms. Maria Aprila W. Cruz, PIA-CAR/www.news.pia.gov.ph