Tabaco City. Bicol Region has been on enhanced community quarantine since March 15 and has affected a lot of Bicolanos. The primary concern during this pandemic is the health of every individual which is now being addressed by respective provincial governments as well as other LGUs in the region. For an instance, the provincial government of Albay initiated the inclusion of  vegetables in the distribution of relief food packs. They purchased raw vegetables such as squash, camote, ampalaya, and winged beans from local farmers in the province and distributed these to different LGUs, which in turn, reached the more needy  families. The provincial government also delivered food packs and hygiene kits to Albayanos  stranded in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur during the first week of the ECQ. Rapu rapu and Jovellar also included fish among food distributed to their constituents.  LGUs in Sorsogon included vegetable seeds and tinapa (lawlaw) in their relief packs. In Casiguran, the LGU did not include canned goods in the relief pack, rather, they provided seafoods and bread every day to the community. In Gubat, rice and dried fish were sold at much lower prices.  Two LGUs in Camarines Sur also have distributed RUTF to identified SAM patients good for two weeks supply.  Calabanga, in addition to vegetables and other commodities,  also distributed rice-sesame mongo blend to all 6-12 months old children in the municipality. In Masbate City, malnourished children continued to have medical check-up  and supplemental feeding program. However, instead of children being gathered for the program, the food is being given straight to their homes.

While National Nutrition Council lauds these initiatives being done in the midst of crisis, it is important for everyone to know why these actions are being recognized. The distribution of vegetables to the people do not just satisfy their hunger but also boost their immune system. Vegetables contain different micronutrients that strengthen the body and decrease the risk of acquiring diseases. Macronutrients, on the other hand, are found in rice, kamote tops, bread and fish which are needed for an individual to function well. These initiatives refrain people from eating canned goods which are high in sodium and may not really be good for the health. With the provision of healthy food packs, together with some exercises and positive thoughts,  many people are still able to practice and enjoy healthy lifestyle amidst the COVID-19 crisis.  (NACL, ARR, NNC RO V)