Carmen, Cebu – The super typhoon Odette wreaked havoc in several parts of the Visayas and Mindanao including Cebu which was vastly devastated. The residents moved to safer grounds and others sought shelters to more stable households for everyone’s safety especially children and older persons. Other families secured their belongings such as appliances and furniture in the safest area of their homes. Many prepared plastic drums in anticipation of possible water shortage and readied for unforeseen things to happen. However, even if they thought they were ready, when the actual disaster happened, everyone was caught off guard.

Typhoon Odette has ravaged many areas, destroying homes, damaged bridges, downed trees, and people experienced days and months of net connectivity problem, power interruption, and water supply shortage. Some residents panicked and hoard foods after the typhoon.

With the anticipated food insecurity issue threatening especially the pregnant and young children, the Helen Keller International (HKI), a non-government organization operating in Cebu and Bohol provinces stepped up to help their program areas affected by the typhoon.

As part of their nutrition in emergency response, the group initiated ‘Tulong para sa mga ka-Barangay F1KD’ where they provided 4 kilograms of rice and nutrition information materials to families. The distribution was held on 07 February 2022 in Barangay Cogon East court, Carmen, Cebu. The initiative also served as their way of biding goodbye as the project was expected to end in February 2022.

Eighteen families of Carmen, Cebu received the goodies. HKI Provincial Program Coordinator Mr. Alexander Berioso II who supervised the distribution also handed over a Plaque of Recognition to the Municipal Nutrition Committee thru its Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Elemer Batao for his program leadership, valuable contributions and continued commitment and support in the implementation of Barangay F1KD, helping to ensure optimal nutrition and health of pregnant women, mothers, and their children. DMO Shiela Y. Dagatan, the RHU personnel, the NDP Focal Person for Nutrition and BNSs of the municipality were also present during the activity. They were very grateful for the assistance and support provided by the HKI to the municipality. // ND II Geraldine Mae S. Pausanos, RND