The city government of Pasig distributed nutritious food packs to school children through its Malusog na Batang Pasigueno Program or MBP as an effort to combat the problem of hunger and malnutrition among students.
The program was launched on May 17-20, 2021, in the 44 public elementary and secondary schools in the city. The program is one of the flagship programs of the city government under the leadership of Mayor Vico Sotto who is also the Chair of the Pasig City Nutrition Committee.
The program aims to provide school children with good nutrition for better school performance. It also aims to prevent household food insecurity among families of school children whose livelihood were affected by the pandemic.
Included in each food pack are rice, plant-based noodles, nutri-milk, iodized salt, monggo beans, tuna flakes in oil and multivitamins with iron. These foods contain the “Sangkap Pinoy” seal and are fortified with micronutrients such as Vitamin A, iodine, and iron. Aside from normal sight, Vitamin A also strengthens the immune system to fight off diseases. Iron helps in fighting infection and transmittable diseases and improves productivity. On the other hand, iodine is needed by the thyroid hormones for the brain and nervous system to develop and function properly.
Beneficiaries of the program are 147,284 public school learners in the city from kinder to senior high school including those under special programs, SPED and alternative learning system or ALS.
Food packs were distributed by Mayor Vico Sotto, Congressman Roman Romulo, Education Committee Councilor Chairperson Corie Raymundo, and Pasig City Schools Division Office OIC Evalou Agustin. Beneficiaries will receive one (1) food pack per month for four (4) months.
In a Facebook post, Mayor Sotto emphasizes the important of good nutrition in the proper growth and mental development of children.
“Sana makatulong ito sa mga pamilyang nangangailangan, lalo na ngayong pandemya… higit sa lahat para maipagpatuloy ng bawat Batang Pasigueño ang kanilang pag-aaral,” Mayor Sotto said.
The city government hopes that through the MBP, school children will stay strong and healthy to perform well in school amidst the pandemic.
Written by: NOII Theresa A. Rivas and NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo
References:
- Vico Sotto Facebook Page
- Pasig City Nutrition Committee Facebook Page
- Pasig City Public Information Office Facebook Page
- https://doh.gov.ph/food-fortification-program
