“Tutok Kainan”, a dietary supplementation program, is among the answers to the call of the First 1,000 Days Law. This program aims to help in the prevention of stunting among children ages 0-23 months old by improving the quality and quantity of food and nutrient intake of nutritionally at-risk pregnant women and children 6-23 months old. In 182 cities and municipalities all over the country which are initial beneficiaries of the program, 48 of which will come from the region of Zamboanga Peninsula.

The Local Government Unit of Dapitan City is one of the recipients of this program. On 05 February 2021, a committee hearing at the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Dapitan City was conducted to shed light on the purpose and other information regarding the program. The hearing was attended by Hon. Dug Christopher B. Mah, Chair of the Committee on Appropriation; Hon. Amalou R. Tumapon-Monroyo, Chair of the Committee on Livelihood; Hon. Divine B. Patilano, Chair of the Committee on Health and Sanitation; Hon. Felix P. Tacbaya, President of the Liga ng mga Barangay; Dr. Rolito V. Cataluña, City Health Officer; and Ms. Eva E. Sagario, City Nutrition Action Officer.

As of writing, the legislative body of Dapitan City is drafting a resolution authorizing local chief executive of Dapitan City Hon. Mayor Rosalina G. Jalosjos to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between the LGU and the National Nutrition Council (NNC) on the implementation of the Tutok Kainan Program.

AA VI Cielo Katrina M. Mabalot