October 27, 2022 marks the finale of the 180-day implementation of the Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program (TK DSP) in the municipality of Conner, Apayao. Among the 5 barangays who were recipients of the TK DSP, Barangay Caglayan and Barangay Paddoan initiated a graduation ceremony funded by the Local Government Unit. The Tutok Kainan beneficiaries were joined by their parents and guardians and happily received their certificates.
It was recalled that last April 2022 was the start of the program and ended last October 2022. Tutok Kainan beneficiaries who participated for the 6-month period feeding program were awarded with certificates. To recognize their parents and guardians’ efforts, their diligence and continuous support during the duration of the program, they were also awarded with certificates from the Rural Health Unit. They were commended for their support throughout the program despite their work schedules and other family commitments. It did not hinder them from joining and bringing their children during the feeding schedules.
Ms. Jocelyn Sibul, PDOHO ND and Ms. Myra Simeon, NNC TK Focal Persons were also recognized and awarded with certificates for taking the lead in the conduct of the program. Both of them expressed their appreciation for the people who contributed to the realization and implementation of the program, especially the Barangay Nutrition Scholars, who were the primary implementers in the barangay level.
The resource persons of the activity were Dr. Andrea S. Bartolome, RHU Dentist who lectured on dental health for children and Dr. Leah L. Espiritu who delivered an inspirational message. She commended the efforts of the people involved in the program. She hopes that malnutrition cases in the municipality will continue to decrease and that in the coming days, the community will observe healthy and proper diet.
Ms. Benita Bayu, the Kagawad on Health served as the Master of Ceremony during the activity. Nutrition Coordinator and TK Municipal Focal Person Mr. Samuel A. Bucao led the opening prayer, followed by the Welcome Remarks by Barangay Kagawad Reynaldo Zingapan. He expressed his gratitude to all who attended the activity. Ms. Christy Cawilan, PHN in lieu of Dr. Teresita Pasiwen, Municipal Health Officer/ Municipal Nutrition Action Officer, midwives, Barangay health Workers and other Barangay officials joined the beneficiaries and their parents and guardians in celebrating the culmination of the program. Paddoan OIC-Brgy. Captain gave the closing remarks and the closing prayer by the Master of Ceremony.
One of the mothers of the beneficiaries expressed her appreciation for the program. She said that it contributed to the improvement of the nutritional status of her child. And she hopes that the program will continue in order to reach more children who are malnourished. According to her, in this way, the children will be able to enjoy their childhood.
/Myra Simeon, Development Management Officer II
