The Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022, is the country’s framework for nutrition action. It aims to improve the nutrition situation of the country and contribute to the achievement of AmBisyon Natin 2040, particularly in improving human capital and reducing its vulnerabilities brought about by malnutrition. It also gives importance to the first 1,000 days of life because good nutrition starts in the mother’s womb. It is very important to address maternal nutrition. Survey results from the 2015 National Nutrition Survey shows that the prevalence of nutritionally-at-risk women has not improved over the years.
In support of the PPAN’s dietary supplementation program for pregnant women, the municipality of Payao in Zamboanga Sibugay conducted an orientation on the Milk Feeding Program on July 14 to 15, 2020 at the municipal building with 38 pregnant mothers from Barangay Poblacion. The activity aims to assure the commitment of the pregnant women or mothers-to-be to drink fresh chocolate milk for 90 days and eat 1 piece of egg regularly. This is to maintain their normal nutritional status and to attain the optimum growth and development of the growing fetus. Likewise, their activity is in support of the First 1000 Days program of the government. Last year, the LGU of Payao was able to conduct the same program to 23 barangays and 128 pregnant mothers benefited from the said program.
In the conduct of the activity, pre, mid and post taking of weight and height measurements of the mothers will be done. Ms. Jean Jayme Flores, the Municipal Nutrition Action Officer assures that the program will not only benefit the mother but also the growing fetus as well to prevent giving birth to low birth weight infants and later on prevent the growing child from being stunted.
The pandemic did not stop the LGU of Payao to implement their nutrition programs. Through the support of the Local Chief Executive and members of the Local Nutrition Committee they were able to implement different nutrition programs in the municipality. As part of their 2020 Nutrition Month Celebration, they conducted a nutrition advocacy during their flag ceremony on 06 July 2020 as well as conduct the orientation on Milk Feeding Program for pregnant women.
Taking care of the health and nutrition of mothers is a good preventive approach to reduce the number of stunted children. With these programs and activities being implemented, truly the municipality is obtaining the objectives of the 46th Nutrition Month Celebration and that is to raise awareness on the impact of stunting and evidence-based solutions to prevent stunting.
AA VI Cielo Katrina M. Mabalot
