BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – With the intensified advocacy campaign of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga on nutrient-dense complementary feeding and exclusive breastfeeding, pregnant women in the barangays of the different provinces are now taking proactive steps to ensure that they and their babies get adequate nutrition, maternal health, and optimal fetal development. 

Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator (RNPC), Dr. Niño Archie Labordo, commended the barangay officials along with the barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) for their constant monitoring and implementation of the health and nutrition programs for the vulnerable sectors, including pregnant women, in their respective areas.

“Complementary feeding ensures healthy growth and development of children through the variety of nutritious foods introduced in addition to breastmilk. Good nutrition, care, and hygiene, especially in the first two years of life, are necessary to prevent children from becoming too short for their age (stunted),” relayed Labordo.

Labordo added that around the age of six months, an infant's need for energy and nutrients starts to exceed what is provided by breast milk, and complementary foods are necessary to meet those needs. 

“An infant of this age is also developmentally ready for other foods. This transition is referred to as complementary feeding,” he said.

Labordo also highlighted that the local government units in Caraga have been supportive of the programs that were established to enhance maternal and child health.

“The local government unit of Bacuag, Surigao del Norte, recently launched Phase 6 of the Tutok Kainan- Dietary Supplementation Program (TK-DSP). During this event, key officials and stakeholders expressed their commitment to improving nutrition and health outcomes in the community,” bared Labordo.

The event was attended by Development Management Officer (DMO) IV Hazel Jane Precillas of the Provincial Department of Health Office (PDOHO), District Nutrition Program Coordinator (DNPC) Marissa Solloso, and Municipal Nutrition Action Officer (MNAO)/Municipal Administrator Kareen Ugay, who warmly welcomed and acknowledged the attendees. Among the participants were nine members of the Municipal Nutrition Committee (MNC), nutrition staff, all punong barangays, all barangay nutrition scholars (BNS), and 29 beneficiaries of LGU-Bacuag, totaling 72 attendees.

In her address, Ugay expressed excitement about the attendees joining the incredible journey towards a healthy and nourishing pregnancy through the TK-DSP for pregnant women. 

She emphasized the program's recognition of the vital role of adequate nutrition during pregnancy in ensuring maternal health and optimal fetal development, and noted that the TK-DSP is not new to them, as they had already initiated a supplementation program for pregnant women called "Bacuag-KAON," which was initiated in 2023. 

“We are excited to embark on this incredible partnership with you, as we prioritize the health and safety of both you and your baby. Welcome to the TK-DSP – we will support you every step of the way towards a healthy, happy pregnancy,” she added. 

Nutrition officer Hare Britney Jasmin also emphasized the importance of pregnant women's participation in the program. After providing an overview, she expressed her gratitude to all attendees on behalf of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga, emphasizing that the program's success relies on the support and participation of stakeholders at the provincial, municipal, and barangay levels, as well as the beneficiaries.

“The success of this program wouldn’t be possible without your effort and collaboration towards the fulfillment of our goals for the benefit of pregnant women and children,” said Jasmin.

DMO IV Precillas of PDOHO thanked all the personnel and partners involved in the implementation of the TK-DSP of NNC in LGU-Bacuag and hoped for improvement in the nutritional status of pregnant women in the next meeting. She also encouraged the LGU Bacuag to participate in and receive nutrition awards after the Municipal Enhanced Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI Pro).

DNPC Solloso extended full support to the program on behalf of the Provincial Health Office and looked forward to the cooperation of everybody involved in the program, especially pregnant women. 

“Let’s continue to promote to pregnant women exclusive breastfeeding for six months and nutrient-dense complementary feeding from six months of the child to prevent stunting among children,” she said.

Meanwhile, during his closing remarks, Liga ng mga Barangay President Marc Arthur Caberte expressed his happiness about the benefits received by the LGU Bacuag for the various programs of the government. He further encouraged the pregnant women to participate in the program for the benefits and to help the baby inside their wombs grow with proper nutrition.

“Thank you to the National Nutrition Council, all the barangay nutrition scholars, and our partner stakeholders for keeping up the good work. We really hope that with this program on maternal and child health, we willbe able to prevent malnutrition cases in our barangay and sustain the gains of our collective efforts,” Caberte said.

The launch of the TK-DSP for pregnant women in LGU Bacuag reflected a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders dedicated to improving the health and well-being of pregnant women and their children. This initiative, supported by the NNC and other government agencies, is poised to have a positive impact on maternal and child nutrition in the town. (JPG, PIA-Caraga with a report from NNC-Caraga)