21 September 2021, Cagayan de Oro City – The third and final leg of Phase I implementation for Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program is now underway.
National Nutrition Council X’s Provincial Nutrition Focal Point in the person of Gwyn Y. Balaba paid a visit to select areas to conduct monitoring of the ongoing wet feeding. He witnessed the hot meals being prepared, distributed, and consumed by the pregnant women recipients. Shane Sumaylo, one of the beneficiaries in Sumilao, Bukidnon expressed her gratitude towards the program, "Dako kayo siya’g katabang sa akong pag-buros kay dili lang ako ang naka pahimulos, apil napud ang nutrition sa akong baby" (It provides assistance and support throughout my pregnancy, as well as for my baby's nutritional needs), she said, referring to the TK DSP.
It demonstrates the effect and success of the program while attaining its objective, which is 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 Early Childhood Care and Development First-1000 Days services among nutritionally at-risk pregnant women in the target Tutok Kainan program areas.
In the face of adversity, Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) work steadfastly to provide services to the most vulnerable members of the community together with the Nutrition Action Officers (NAO), and local program focal persons. The pandemic may have hampered some activities, but it has proved the BNSs' determination and willingness to serve.
As of this writing, four (4) of the eight (8) enrolled Bukidnon local government unit (LGU) beneficiaries have already completed Phase I, namely LGUs Kadingilan, Kibawe, Libona and Valencia City. Meanwhile, two other LGUs are currently implementing the wet feeding scheme (Sumilao and Manolo Fortich), and two more (Quezon and Malaybalay City) are preparing for its implementation. The last leg of the program is set to begin for the last two areas once all the arrangements and preparations, including those with the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations, are settled.
Malnutrition and hunger in the country still have a long way to go. To affect change, a large number of individuals will be involved, and should be involved. Nutrition agencies in partnership with different public and private sectors are working tirelessly to develop relevant and effective programs that will provide services for the people.
As a result, regardless of the circumstances, nutrition heroes continue to put out effort for the betterment of the community in light of the new normal. It just goes to exhibit that, as one Filipino nation, we are working towards a broader picture of prosperity and wellbeing. (PNFP Gwyn Y. Balaba)
