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Basilan records 29% boost in nutritional status

ISABELA CITY, Basilan (PIA) -- The Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon (BangUn) program, implemented by the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Basilan, has achieved a remarkable improvement in the nutritional status of its beneficiaries. 

Last year, the program reported a 29 percent increase in the nutritional status of its 3,100 beneficiaries, which includes 2,000 in Tabuanlasa and 1,100 in Sumisip. The program aimed to improve by at least 10 percent of the nutitional status of its beneficiaries.

Despite the challenges posed by the program's geographical location, weather, and unexpected situations, the BangUn project was successfully implemented. 

Speaking at her radio guesting during the Philippine Information Agency’s radio program at DXNO Radyo Komunidad, Candeline Antonio, the project development officer of DSWD-Region IX, highlighted the program's sustainability by coordinating with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Office of Provincial Agriculture for livelihood programs for the beneficiaries.

Lizel Aramal, a nutritionist and dietitian, explained that the BangUn program goes beyond promoting healthy eating habits, providing access to nutritious foods, and improving the delivery of health and nutrition services. It also raises awareness among beneficiaries about the importance of nutrition for promoting a healthy life. 

The program promotes breastfeeding to infants and children up to 2 years and beyond, which is the most natural and intimate way for mothers to provide their infants with all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals required for their overall growth and well-being.

For 2024, the BangUn project will be implemented in five island barangays in Hadji Muhtamad and five barangays in Mohamad Ajul municipalities, with a target of 3,100 beneficiaries. The program aims to improve the nutritional status of children and lactating mothers through a 180-day feeding program.

The DSWD team for the BangUn Project is optimistic about extending the program to all areas in the province. Basilan Island, located in the southern Philippines, has unfortunately become known for its high level of malnutrition among children and pregnant women. The BangUn Project 2023 is part of a broader effort to address the root causes of malnutrition and achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of addressing all forms of malnutrition by 2030. (RVC/EDT/NDR/PIA9-BASILAN with photos from DSWD and LGU)

About the Author

Nilda Delos Reyes

Information Officer II

Region 9

Information Center Manager - Basilan 

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