PALO, Leyte - “Tatak Tangkad” is Samar’s brand of First 1,000 days program. This time the Province of Biliran has its own version of First 1000 days through its Tulong Pang Nutrisyon (TPN).

TPN was launched last June 9, 2022 with a funding of about 5 million pesos under the Presidential Fund. The project was spearheaded and initiated by the Provincial Governor Hon. Rogelio Espina.

Originally, intended for 0-5 years old children but because of the implementation of R.A 11148 or the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Magnanay Act was focus pregnant and lactating women and 0-2 years old children.

According to District Nutrition Program Coordinator Mr Rio Rosales, the program components include distribution of food backs, micro-nutrient supplementation both for pregnant and lactating women and 6-23 months old children. It also has a component of home backyard gardening by distribution of seeds and seedlings to identified targets. Exclusive breastfeeding is also part of the implementation for infants 0-6 months old.

NNC 8 Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Dr Catalino P. Dotollo, Jr advised the DNPC to draft a resolution ordinance in support of the TPN. Likewise, Dr. Dotollo also advised to include nutrition education in its program component.

Meantime, the project implementation is starting its social preparation like masterlisting of pregnant and lactating women and 6-23 months children.

The project is closely coordinated with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development and the Provincial Health Offices. While the Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) will initiate the home back yard gardening for the project to be sustainable. This is on top of doing the master listing with Barangay Health Workers (BHWs).

The project is intended to be implemented in the entire province. Biliran province has 8 municipalities.

The project intends to lower down malnourished pregnant or nutritionally at risk pregnant (NAR) and lactating women. Likewise, to curb wasting and stunting among 6-23 months old children. #RNPC-CPD