National Nutrition Council (NNC) launched the Tutok Kainan Supplementation Program last November 2020. This program aims to prevent stunting among children 6-23 months old with the utilization of Early Childhood Care and Development - First 1000 Days (ECCD-F1KD) services including complementary feeding and other nutrition-sensitive interventions for the family of the beneficiaries.
Being one of the many provinces with high prevalence of stunted and wasted children, South Cotabato is included in the targeted areas of the program with children 6-23 months old as the target beneficiaries. NNC Region XII introduced the Tutok Kainan Supplementation Program to the Provincial Government of South Cotabato and its capital, Koronadal City. Executive Assistant to the Provincial Governor Rudy Jimenea attended the coordination meeting with Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Arceli Latonio, Nutrition Officer III Annalita Mae Flores and Provincial Nutrition Coordinator Kristine Charl Nadela, with the endorsement of Nutrition Officers Angela Frugalidad and Liza Enamno, who also attended the said event. The meeting was held last January 27, 2020 (Wednesday) in South Cotabato Provincial Capitol. Thereafter, a second coordination meeting was held at the City Nutrition Office of Koronadal City with City Nutrition Action Officer Nancy Adalin, City Nutrition Program Coordinators Mary Jan Conje and Mary Adel were present.
NNC Region XII seeks support from the provincial government for a successful implementation of the program. In return, Executive Assistant Jimenea expressed his positive remarks and disposition to the program. Jimenea also recommended to utilize the available resources from the province and potential manpower such as ECCD focal persons from local government units and barangay community organizers to help in the execution of Tutok Kainan Program.
Breastfeeding, proper complementary feeding and other nutrition interventions in the first two years of life significantly prevents the occurrence of stunting and malnutrition among growing children. As this is a crucial period in children’s physical and mental development, the success of the Tutok Kainan Supplementation Program also entails success of the development of these individuals, and in turn, of the future of society as a whole. (PNC Nadela/NO III Flores/NPC)
