On February 23, 2023, the National Nutrition Council Region 9, in collaboration with the City Government of Pagadian, successfully conducted the Ceremonial launching of the Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program Phase 3 for 6-23 months old children held at the Covered Court, Plaza Luz, Pagadian City. The City of Pagadian is among the selected local government units to benefit from the Tutok Kainan: Dietary Supplementation Program of the National Nutrition Council. This program aims to contribute to the prevention of stunting among children 0-23 months old by improving the quality and quantity of food and nutrient intakes and utilization of related ECCD F1KD services among nutritionally at-risk pregnant women and children 6-23 months old in the target Tutok Kainan program areas. Prior to its implementation, Pagadian City was chosen to launch the Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program as a kickoff activity.
The event was attended by ninety three (93) distinguished guests and participants which is composed of the National Nutrition Council Region IX, headed by RNPC Ms. Nimfa D. Ekong, City Mayor and Chairperson of the City Nutrition Committee of Pagadian, Hon. Samuel S. Co, City Councilor and Vice Chairperson of the CNC, Hon. Priscilla “Doctora Dicky” M. Fernandez, City Administrator and City Nutrition Action Officer Pagadian, Engr. Joseph Isaias M. Quipot VI, Officer in charge of the City Nutrition Office, Ms. Mary Joy P. Calimbo along with the City Nutrition Program Coordinators, Members of the City Nutrition Committee, Barangay Captains and Chairpersons of the Barangay Nutrition Committees, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, and the parents of the beneficiaries from Barangay Gatas, Kawit, Lenienza, and Tiguma.
The government faces a significant challenge in addressing the alarming issue of malnutrition, which still offers a serious threat of aggravation in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, stunting in children under five continues to be a serious worldwide and national nutrition issue, affecting millions. As a response, DSP "Tutok Kainan," our government's recently developed nutrition-specific project, will be one of the NNC's flagship programs and is expected to tackle the issue of malnutrition immediately. This is one of the government's COVID-19 responses and operationalizes RA 11148, also known as the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act, which focuses on dietary supplementation for pregnant women and young children (6 to 23 months old), a much-needed nutrition intervention, particularly during the pandemic when the livelihoods of the marginalized face many difficulties. Pregnant women and children under the age of two must receive an intervention package that will not only target nutrition but also, in the aspects of health, early education, and other social services. This has to do with providing dietary supplementation in relation to the early childhood care and development in the 1st 1000 days of life.
In addition to preventing stunting, the dietary supplementation program promotes local food supply value chains between the national government program "Tutok Kainan" and the local Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs), Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations, and farmer-fisherfolk cooperatives. By enhancing the quality and quantity of food and nutrient intakes and increasing the use of related ECCD F1K services among nutritionally at-risk pregnant women in the target Tutok Kainan program areas, this program specifically aims to contribute to the prevention of stunting among children 0-23 months old. Indeed, we look forward to seeing our beneficiaries improving in terms of their nutritional status during the regular monitoring activities and become well-nourished individuals and deliver healthy babies in the near future.” As the name implies, "Tutok Kainan," we need to closely monitor and track its progress on making a difference in the lives of the target beneficiaries and to our nation as a whole.
ZDS DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas, RND
