Iloilo province continues to grapple with the challenge of achieving malnutrition-free status, according to Provincial Health Office (PHO) Head Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon.
Despite sustained campaigns and programs, 43 local government units (LGUs) in the province still struggle with malnutrition issues.
Dr. Quiñon highlighted the ongoing appeal from the PHO to mayors and barangay captains, urging them to prioritize funding for nutrition programs.
Dr. Wendel Tupas-Marcelo, Health Officer I of the PHO, emphasized the need for LGUs to take ownership of these initiatives, integrating nutrition programs into their local action plans and allocating the necessary budget.
“We always emphasize that nutrition is not just a program of the province and its partners, but it is also their program. With ‘ownership’ means LGUs should include nutrition programs in their local nutrition action plan and set aside a budget,” Marcelo stated.
Dr. Quiñon reiterated the significant role of the PHO in providing additional assistance, but stressed that the primary responsibility lies with the LGUs.
“I often say this, and I will repeat it. I have the highest respect for those who put nutrition as their priority because it means they know what they are doing,” she added.
On Monday, June 8, 2024, the Iloilo PHO launched the 50 years of celebrating Nutrition Month with the theme “Sa PPAN (Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition): Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat!”
During the kick-off ceremony, Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias called for cooperation from barangay and municipal officials, along with other government agencies, to eradicate malnutrition in the province.
Banias underscored the importance of nutrition in education, noting, the “state of nutrition impacts the state of the mind—the state of education of our children. The number one cause of discontinuing schooling is still poverty.”
“That’s why Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has repeatedly said that the underlying factors in all of these are poverty and food security,” he added.
Millie Kilayko, President of Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation, Inc., presented solutions to combat malnutrition, including the Mingo Meals Nutrition Program.
This initiative provides a nutritious instant complementary food made of rice, mongo, and sesame seeds for malnourished children, benefiting 800 kids enrolled in the program. Various government agencies also highlighted their programs.
The Department of Education focused on ensuring the health and well-being of schoolchildren, while the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Western Visayas promoted the Utok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program to improve food and nutrient intake among its beneficiaries.
The Provincial Agriculture Office presented the MoRProGRes Gardens program, which integrates the production of high-value crops to ensure food security and promote agri-tourism in Iloilo.
