9 August 2021 Cagayan de Oro City (2 August 2021) The pregnant women recipients of the Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program in the Municipalities of Kadingilan and Kibawe started to receive hot meals as the third and last leg for TK DSP resumed last 2 August 2021. Nutrition Action Officers Jesus Dumangon of Kadingilan and Genesis Espina of Kibawe, along with ARBOs KAPARBA and SIFAMCO, actively contributed to paving the road to supply the food items in spite of the current pandemic setting.
Provincial Nutrition Focal Point (PNFP) Gwyn Y. Balaba visited both local government units (LGUs) and facilitated the signing of the Purchase Orders and Notices of Award prior to the start of delivery.
ARBOs KAPARBA and SIFAMCO arrived early on the day of the delivery and were greeted by the Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) who were looking forward to their weekly supply. MNAO Dumangon, who was present during the repacking and turnover of food commodities, supervised the distribution. As a result, LGU Kadingilan was able to conclude early its distribution of food item. Meanwhile, LGU Kibawe through MNAO Espina assisted some of the BNSs by instantly distributing food supplies directly to the barangay level. Furthermore, minimum health measures were followed throughout and after the delivery, including but not limited to social distancing, wearing of face masks, and constant disinfection.
During the delivery of this program, like others, there were challenging instances reported. Mishandling of supplies, including damaged eggs and a few rotten vegetables, have been observed. In addition, the inaccuracy of the quantity obtained by the BNSs was noted. However, any minor inconvenience was met with a quick and prompt answer by the suppliers throughout the delivery.
The LGUs scheduled to receive their food commodities on 9 August 2021 are Manolo Fortich, Valencia City, and Libona, however, due to increasing Covid-19 cases in the municipality of Sumilao and Manolo Fortich, local activities are suspended. No firm date has been set for the first delivery in these municipalities. Purchase Orders and Notices of Award to LGUs Malaybalay City and Quezon are yet to be issued by the Central Office.
Earlier this month, a virtual Coordination Meeting with C/MNAOs and their nutrition workers was arranged by NPC Fernandez and PNFP Balaba as part of the social preparation to discuss the extent of preparedness in accepting the delivery of food commodities in select LGUs. The meeting also covered the submission of their 1st and 2nd Quarter Accomplishment Reports, where the LGUs committed to submit such documents as required.
In conclusion, the resumption of wet feeding for the Tutok Kainan DSP’s pregnant women recipients was made possible by the efforts and cooperation of DAR Bukidnon, select ARBOs, and LGUs who persistently and patiently supported the program despite the challenges. The goal is to eliminate cases of malnutrition in the first 1000 days of life, which is important for the improved productivity of the community. (PNFP Gwyn Y. Balaba)
