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Pasay City provides healthy food packs to COVID-19 patients

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Category: Region NCR

Healthy food packs provided to COVID-19 patients and families in Pasay City composed of vegetables and fruits.As part of their COVID-19 nutrition response, the city government of Pasay continues to provide healthy food packs to patients affected with COVID-19 and their families.

Last April 25, 2021, 328 active COVID-19 patients from various barangays were each provided with healthy food pack consisting of 1 pack frozen chicken, 3 kilo rice, 8 pieces of fresh eggs, assorted fruits and vegetables, and ready-to-eat food. 

Based on the Department of Health Memorandum No. 2020-0166 on the “Interim Guidelines on the Preparation and Handling of Food in Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities for COVID-19 Patients”, patients must be provided with healthy foods for adequate nutrition and help boost the immune system.

The said memorandum also advises that COVID-19 patients be provided with food items that are high in the following nutrients:

  • Vitamin C to help boost the immune system.
  • Vitamin A and Beta-carotene. Aside from maintaining vision, promoting growth and development, and protecting epithelium and mucus integrity in the body, Vitamin A also has an anti-inflammatory effect which has a critical role in enhancing immune function. It is also a powerful antioxidant which can help fight viruses and infections.
  • Vitamin D regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and facilitates normal immune system function.
  • B-vitamins especially B6 which is essential for growth, immune function, and other aspects of metabolism and B12 for the normal functioning of nerves, bone marrow, and gastrointestinal tract.
  • Folate to help make and repair DNA, thus a deficiency of this vitamin could hamper immunity.
  • Zinc keeps the immune system strong (e.g. helps fight viruses), helps heal wounds, and supports normal growth.
  • Protein to help prevent muscle deterioration and regulates the body’s immune response to viral infection.
  • Fat such as omega-3 fatty acids to support a healthy immune system and defend against inflammatory disorders.

Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano and members of the city council hope that the healthy food packs will help strengthen the immune system of the patients and enable them to heal well and recover fast from the COVID-19 infection. Mayor Rubiano also calls for everyone’s cooperation to follow the minimum health standards to lessen the COVID-19 cases in the city.

As we continue the fight against COVID-19, it is imperative to protect ourselves and others by following basic precautions such as wearing of mask, physical distancing, proper hand and personal hygiene, avoiding large crowds and enclosed spaces and boosting the immune system through healthy diet and active lifestyle.


Written by: NOII Theresa A. Rivas and NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo


References:

  • Pasay City Public Information Office Facebook Page
  • Department of Health Memorandum No. 2020-0166 on the “Interim Guidelines on the Preparation and Handling of Food in Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities for COVID-19 Patients"

Click this link to download the copy of the DOH DM No. 2020-0166:
https://www.nnc.gov.ph/component/phocadownload/category/63-policies-plans-activities?download=2094:doh-department-memorandum-no-2020-0166