Balilihan, Bohol – Utilizing a holistic approach to prevent hunger and malnutrition, the Municipality of Balilihan in the Province of Bohol activates its Countryside Action Program (CAP). The program is a social development strategy that is anchored on man’s basic needs and puts a premium on health, nutrition, and sanitation among the seven (7) sectoral concerns of the local government. CAP is a collaborative and integrated effort of the local government unit, line agencies, non-government organizations or people’s organizations, and the mass base working hand in hand to effect change and development. CAP is focused on man/person and the improvement of his quality of life in an atmosphere of peace and equality. It is considered an effective tool to deliver basic services efficiently and effectively to the Balilinhons especially those who are in rural areas.

As its contribution to the program, the Balilihan Municipal Nutrition Committee (MNC) is tasked to cater to the nutritional needs of the townspeople from planning to implementation and monitoring of related nutrition programs and projects targeted largely to infants, preschool children, and school children. The program includes a fruit tree planting activity to ensure food security and a nutrition civic action and a free clinic project. To combat overnutrition and promote a healthy lifestyle, the MNC has also organized a Zumba dance workshop.

While simple in approach, the key to the success of Balilihan’s nutrition program implementation which has decreased its stunting rate from 12.2% in 2019 to 5.7% in 2022 is all about strong coordination between members of the MNC and the cooperation of stakeholders. //NGS