A virtual signing of the Marketing Agreement (MA) between the National Nutrition Council – NCR (NNC-NCR) and Cruzian Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) was held on May 17, 2022 to formalize their partnership for the Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program (TK-DSP) Phase 4 in NCR.

The event was attended by representatives from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Regional Office III led by ARD Atty. Odgie Cayabyab, DAR Provincial Office Pampanga led by CARPO Donna Vitug, Cruzian MPC led by Chairperson Victorio Lacson, and Pateros Nutrition Committee led by Mayor Miguel “Ike” Ponce III, and NNC-NCR led by Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Ms. Milagros Elisa V. Federizo.

“We look forward to working with the Cruzian MPC for the smooth implementation of the Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program in the Municipality of Pateros and we thank the municipality for accepting the TK-DSP for the benefit of the 100 young children in need of nutrition rehabilitation.”, RNPC Mila Federizo said.

Atty. Cayabyab in his message said, “We are very much delighted and happy that once again, our partnership and commitment is renewed. This is government in motion and government working hand in hand to benefit our respective clients and beneficiaries.”

Chairperson Lacson expressed his commitment saying, “Kami po sa Cruzian MPC ay buong pusong nagpapasalamat at buo po naming tinatatanggap ang hamon na aming pinasukan na agreement na gagampanan po namin ang lahat ng aming makakaya upang ma-satisfy po lalong lalo na ang mga beneficiary na atin pong papakainin.”

As the lone program area of TK-DSP Phase 4 in NCR, Mayor Ponce III showed his support and commitment in his message and thanked the NNC for choosing the Municipality of Pateros as the area of TK-DSP. “We can only reciprocate by assuring everybody that we will always give our 100% support and commitment for the TK DSP Phase 4 in mitigating hunger and malnutrition among the children in our municipality,” Mayor Ponce III said.

Part of NNC-NCR’s commitment as a member of the Regional Convergence Team of NCR on the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty Program or EPAHP is to promote economic empowerment of Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations through the assurance of a ready market by being a direct buyer of ARBO’s farm products and services.

Phase 4 of TK-DSP will target 100 stunted and/or wasted children 6-23 months old in the Municipality of Pateros. Cruzian MPC will supply the food commodities for the preparation of hot meals to be given to target beneficiaries during weekdays for 180 days. Target start of implementation is on June 2022.

Written by: PNFP Diana Jean A. Umali and RNPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo