In today’s trying times, the livelihood of most of our constituents were totally challenged due to the limited movement of people which might result to a bigger problem on household food security and provision of basic needs if not properly managed. The huge role of the government to this concern is much expected than usual.

Household food production also play a crucial role as the most accessible family food source during the community quarantine to augment the food packs distributed by the government and other concerned sectors.

What happened to the Early Childhood Care and Development for the First 1000 days (ECCD-F1K) program’s home food production particularly in Urdaneta City? Just a flashback in 2018, the city provided 209 native hogs and in 2019, another 97 goats to the beneficiaries of the program who are families with pregnant and lactating women and with children under 2 years old in addition to the intensive promotion and establishment of home gardening.

Indeed, most of the beneficiaries are now winning the threat of household food insecurity brought by this pandemic as they are reaping the outcome of their sacrifices and even profiting from the program. Piglets are being sold and consumed as source of food and income generation. Other beneficiaries also able to utilize their sales in fixing their houses. So basically, the program provided opportunities to these families in enhancing their capabilities not only to support their basic needs but in winning the battle of getting out of poverty.

The ECCD-F1K program was piloted by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) in four areas in Pangasinan which included Urdaneta City as part of NNC’s commitment to alleviate malnutrition and poverty in the country.

What might facilitated the smooth implementation of the program? The outstanding functionality and full support of the city nutrition committee aids in its successful implementation. The Local Chief Executive himself closely monitor its progress and expressed his commitment to replicate the scheme to cover other less fortunate in the city. The city recognized it as one of the strategies to help improve the life status and ensuring the nutritional well-being of their constituents.

Also, the commitment of the Barangay Nutrition Committee, Barangay Nutrition Scholars and beneficiaries ensured the efficient and effective implementation and sustainability of the program despite limited movement within the barangays. The National Nutrition Council commends Urdaneta City for successfully doing their part wholeheartedly. HJAB