BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, April 10 (PIA) – The provincial government here recently launched a 120-day supplementary feeding program to boost the nutritional status of children.

Through the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO), the “Ang Batang Malusog, Kinabukasan…AYOS!,” was initially launched in barangay Baretbet in Bagabag town and in barangay Bonfal Proper in Bayombong town.

Milagros Sicat, a social worker and a member of the Provincial Nutrition Council – Technical Working Group (PNC-TWG), said the supplementary feeding will be carried out for 120 feeding days which will be monitored by the Barangay Nutrition Committee (BNC). “This is not only about feeding but more on nutrition programs supported by the provincial and municipal government. We may also extend the number of days for this program,” Sicat said.

She said the supplementary feeding program will also be carried out in nutritionally-depressed villages out of the 275 barangays of the province. “We are still looking for other nutritionally depressed barangays where we can also conduct the program,” Sicat added.

Luzviminda Ragpa, provincial nutrition officer, said the feeding program is expected to improve the nutritional status of the malnourished children in the province.

“These children need additional supplements. Even how eager we are to do this program, nothing will happen if there are no support and cooperation from the parents,” she said.

The provincial government has also distributed free vegetable seeds to villagers for their backyard gardens that will serve as a source of nutritionally-rich foods. (ALM/BME/PIA-2/NVizcaya)