The local government unit of Odiongan, Romblon headed by Municipal Mayor Hon. Trina Firmalo-Fabic together with the Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Mr. Nigel G. David and staff, Gender and Development (GAD), Department of Education (DepEd) and local commercial bakery are presently implementing the Nutribun Feeding Program which initiated on 15 February 2021 covering all 25 barangays as a solution to head the call in minimizing the prevalence of malnutrition in the municipality extremely in this time of pandemic COVID-19. 

Nutribun Feeding Program is one of the impact programs in support to the recently passed Local Ordinance No. 2020-32 of Comprehensive Nutrition Program focusing on malnutrition and the sustainability of nutrition programs in the municipality of Odiongan, Romblon. 

Alongside, identified target beneficiaries were malnourished preschool children, persons with disability (PWD) and school children. Barangay nutrition scholars (BNSs), barangay health workers (BHWs), and daycare workers are the active frontline workers upon the delivery of the nutribun commodities at the barangay level every Mondays and Thursdays. To monitor the effectivity of program, weight of the target beneficiaries will be monitored weekly.  

Innovations with consideration to the satisfaction, palatability and appetite of the beneficiaries, four varieties of nutribun were developed – malunggay, squash, carrot and cheese. 

Through this initiative, nutribun feeding program should not be hampered by the current situation. Thus, strict adherance to the minimum public heath safety protocols by IATF must be observed throughout the roll out of program. Let us work hand-in-hand to deteriorate prevalence of malnutrition in LGU Odiongan, Romblon through massive distribution of nutribun! 

(MNAO Nigel G. David of LGU Odiongan, Romblon)