Through the initiative of the Municipal Nutrition Action Officer, Ms. Mary Lissa B. Yorong, RM, an activity on ECCD (Early Childhood Care Development) F1KD (First 1000 days) “IDOL KO SI NANAY” was successfully conducted at Brgy. Tinongtungan, Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay (ZS).  The activity was held last March 21-25, 2022 at the barangay multi-purpose hall with the support of the Punong Barangay Hon. Winnie V. Bacay, BNS Marianne L. Sarjento, and the entire Barangay Nutrition Committee. The activity was supported by the municipality of Diplahan with the provision of one meal and two snacks per day to the participants. A 1-shot feeding for children ages 6-59 months old was also provided by the barangay on the last day of the activity. The convergence was participated by 25 mothers who are pregnant teenagers, and lactating mothers/caregivers of malnourished children 0-59 months old.

The 5-day activity was facilitated by the BNS, MNAO and staff, DOH9 Nutritionist-Dietitian Ms. Chell Mae Matusalem, and DOH9 Nurse Ms. Claire Rose T. Ybañez who served as resource speakers. The training covered a total of eight modules. In every module, various activities were done by the participants such as group discussions and reporting based on their individual experiences and perceptions related to the topic. The training focused on giving importance to the First 1000 days of the child’s life as the golden window of opportunity for every child. A pre- and post-test were also given to evaluate the level of their learning from the different learning sessions.

On the last day of the activity, the participants were given the chance to demonstrate the actual cooking of the food recipes ideal for children 6-9 months, 9-12 months, 12-18 months, and 18-23 months old. They were all provided with complete materials, utensils, and ingredients for cooking. Concurrently, the barangay council had prepared Arroz Caldo for children 6-23 months old with funds coming from them through the initiative of the BNSs. The participants were given certificates of completion and the resource speakers with certificates of appreciation in recognition of their active involvement.

This event is among the numerous nutrition-related programs in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, particularly in the Municipality of Diplahan, to improve their nutrition situation by conducting activities that would engage the participation of parents and caregivers of children 0-59 months especially those with malnourished ones.

Activities like these should always be given by LGUs utmost importance to help ensure the children achieve their full potential. This small step of educating the mothers/caregivers and every member of the community on good nutrition will lead to a big difference in achieving a healthy and well-nourished community. According to the participants, the learnings they gained during the 5-day training were valuable and priceless.

PNFP- Karla P. Calapardo, RND

Reference:

Ms. Nutritionist-Dietitian (NDDP) Ms. Chell Mae Matusalem, RND