San Vicente, Palawan – The Provincial Nutrition Office of Palawan headed by Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO) Rachel Paladan and the Municipal Nutrition Committee of San Vicente represented by Municipal Nutrition Action Officer (MNAO) Rodrigo Cipriano Jr. have partnered with Coral Bay Nickel Corporation to provide Supplementary Feeding for 45 days to children 6-59 months old in two Sitios in Baranagay Caruray as response to Typhoon Odette. 

The target barangay was chosen as it is one of the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) in the municipality.  It also has the 2nd highest malnutrition prevalence rate (MPR) in the weight-for-height index last 2021. In order to prevent further deterioration of the nutritional status of the children 6-59 months old due to the recent Typhoon, MNAO suggested to target the area by giving supplementary feeding. The feeding program will benefit around 70 children from both Sitio Gawid and Sitio Sta. Cruz.

The said supplementary feeding was supported by other nutrition-related services such as nutritioon education classes which included the First 1000 Days of Life and Meal Planning,  moderate acute malnutrition / severely acute malnutrition (MAM/SAM) active case finding, counseling of parents with MAM/SAM child, hand-washing technique, and micronutrient powder (MNP) distribution at the day of its launching. Dr. Maria Lorife Padon, the Municipal Dentist, provided Oral Health Care lecture, fluoride treatment, and gave free oral hygiene kits. Also, the Municipal Health Office provided vitamins for children 6-59 months old, and pregnant and lactating women.

The program was coordinated and endorsed to the Barangay Chairman Hon. Bernardo M. Borja and to Chairman of Sta. Cruz Bernando Jungco and Chairman of Gawid Andy Rosauro for its continuity until the end of 45 days. Along with the continuation of the feeding, nutrition education classes based on DOST PINOY will be provided to the parents of the beneficiaries by the MNAO, BNS, and other invited speakers. 

Written by: IMO Xylene Ann B. Notario