La Libertad, Negros Oriental – The Nutrition Committee of Barangay Nasunggan in coordination with the Municipal Nutrition Committee thru the Rural Health Unit and Municipal Agriculture Office conducted a 3-day Idol Ko Si Tatay learning sessions held on 15-17 August 2021 in the barangay health center. The learning sessions not only focused on health and nutrition but also gave importance on food security and livelihood. The activity was attended by the twelve members of PapaDOR or “Papa, Let Us Do Our Responsibilities”, the male breastfeeding support group organized in the barangay. 

Part of the post activity to be done by participants after the 3-day learning session is the setting up of backyard gardens of which most of them were able to do so. Extensive monitoring of these backyard gardens was done by the Municipal Agriculture Office. The BNC will also hold a Backyard Garden Contest to sustain what was started. 

After the theoretical inputs and few months application of concepts in the actual setting, the participants held a graduation ceremony on 23 November 2021. The graduation rites was graced Punong Barangay Hon. Andres S. Pacunla Jr., MHO/MNAO Dr. Lenel Cathlyn B. Mahinay, Rural Health Midwife, Nutritionist-Dietitian, Nurse, other Barangay Officials, BNS and BHWs. The twelve successful graduates of the Idol Ko Si Tatay were also able to pledge their commitment to attain the goals imposed on the improvement of the nutritional status of their children and the nutrition situation in Barangay Nasunggan. They were also tasked to encourage and influence their co-fathers about their advocacies as members of the Breastfeeding Support Group. // ND II Chutsvieka May Pacatang, RND