(Cagayan de Oro City, 28 October 2022; Nutrition Officer I Angelique Jean Maggay) -- Cagayan de Oro activated its City Nutrition Cluster due to the flood affecting the barangays of Bugo, Cugman, FS Catanico and Puerto that happened last 16 October 2022. 

The City Nutrition Cluster response team visited Brgy. Bugo and Puerto last 20 October 2022, and Brgy. FS Catanico on 25 October 2022, to distribute commodities such as multivitamins, food packs, breastfeeding kits, hygiene kits and IEC materials prioritizing 0-59 months old children, and lactating and pregnant women.

ND III Caroline A. Cabunoc led the team with Dr. Ameerah Sani- Racman, Medical Nutrition Program Coordinator, and City Nutrition Program Coordinators (CNPCs) Sherill Faith P. Española, Aprel Fe C. Susaya, Mary Trisshia D. Laureta, and Angelique Jean Maggay.

During the visit, Dr. Ameerah Sani-Racman provided free medical consultation to pregnant and lactating women, and prescribed medicines. On the other hand, CNPC Sherill Faith P. Española conducted breastfeeding counseling to lactating mothers. Barangay Nutrition Clusters in each barangay also provided hot meals in the evacuation area prepared by Barangay Nutrition Scholars.

Approximately 135 lactating women, 16 pregnant women, 340 children of 0-59 months old and 2,000 families were affected with the flood.

CDO-City Nutrition Cluster was also able to pool resources, such as from Purple Yam-Puerto CDO, of which three (3) boxes of biscuits worth ₱3,000.00 were distributed to the flooded barangays.

Nutrition in emergencies program is a nutrition service that is part of emergency preparedness, response, and recovery to prevent deterioration of nutritional status and death.

The City Nutrition Cluster expressed its gratitude to the officials and concerned Barangay Nutrition Clusters for their response during the emergency, even if their own households were also affected by the flood.

Salute to all nutrition heroes!