Palo Leyte- In a memorandum dated 29 June 2021 the Regional Development Council-Social Development Committee (RDC-SDC) in Eastern Visayas enjoined all to support the Nutrition Month Celebration particularly the Malunggay Tree Planting.

Launched on 1 July 2021, the region-wide call for the planting of 1 million malunggay trees kicked off along with the Regional Nutrition Month launching via a motorcade in the main streets of Palo, Leyte and Tacloban City.

Spearheaded by the National Nutrition Council, the initiative of planting malunggay supports this year’s Nutrition Month Theme “Malnutrisyon patuloy na labanan, First 1000 days tutukan!”, which focuses on the first 1000 days of life strategy.

As shared by RNPC Catalino P. Dotollo, Jr. during the Press Conference, the first 1000 days of life is from conception up to the child’s second birthday. It is considered the "golden window of opportunity" where health, nutrition, and development foundations are established.

Good nutrition to include malunggay can help the mothers and help child’s grow, learn and develop, Dotollo added.

Malunggay with a scientific name Moringa oleifera Lamk or often called horseradish tree and drumstick tree is fast-growing, deciduous tree that can grow up to 40 feet.

Malunggay leaves and fruit which is edible contains protein, fat, carbohydrates, ash, fiber, vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, niacin, Vitamin C, Calcium, and iron.

The memorandum signed by the SDC Chairperson and the Director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) 8, Dr. George M. Colorado requested its members to support the 47th Nutrition Month Celebration with the goal to contribute towards reducing inequality in opportunities for human development. #NASlabordo