VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The city government of Vigan launched its egg-a-day project dubbed “Itlog para sa Nanay at Sanggol na Malusog” on July 30 as part of the activities in observance of Nutrition Month.
In a ceremony conducted at the Vigan Convention Center, 40 teenage pregnant and underweight pregnant women were provided with a tray of eggs, a sack of rice, and groceries containing fortified products, aimed at providing them with essential nourishment for themselves and their developing babies.
Nurse Jaminette Joy Quicio of the city health office said that the city government aims to distribute eggs regularly to pregnant mothers, and underweight pregnant women ensuring that pregnant women and young children receive the nutritional support they need.
“Ang participants natin ay ang mga teenage pregnant at mga underweight na pregnant. Ito ay patuloy natin ginagawa kahit noong pandemic at may bagyo itong assistant ay inaabot namin sa kanilang bahay, hindi lang ito one-month kundi three months naming binibigyan ng egg, rice at groceries,” said Quicio.
(Our target participants are pregnant teens and underweight pregnant women. We have continued our support even after the pandemic and despite the challenges, including storms, to reach their homes. Over the past three months, we have provided eggs, rice, and groceries to support them.)
During the event, the city government also invited health professionals to discuss essential information on pregnancy for the participants including discussions on necessary dietary requirements and the health benefits of eggs during pregnancy, among other topics all aimed at promoting the overall health of the baby.
“This [egg consumption] is the key to a child’s bright future,” city pediatrician Angeli Romerosa-Fernando said during her lecture on the do’s and don’ts for pregnant women.
She also emphasized the importance of adequate nutrition during pregnancy and infancy, stating that eggs are an affordable and nutritious source of protein and other vital nutrients critical for early childhood development.
In her closing message, Dr. Leilanie Dela Cuadra, program manager of the family health cluster of the city health office, explained the various health benefits of eggs, emphasizing their significance for pregnant women.
She specifically highlighted how eggs can contribute to improving maternal health outcomes and support healthy growth in infants.
She said, “Why [eat] eggs? Dahil marami itong nutrition, marami itong essential nutrients. Huwag kayong mabahalang kumain ng itlog dahil ito ay safe na mag-consume one to two eggs daily kung wala kayong cardiovascular risk. Ibig sabihin kung wala kayong sakit sa puso, high blood pressure at mataas na cholesterol safe na mag consume for 90 days so that the baby is healthy ang pag-develop sa womb.”
(Eggs are rich in nutrients and contain many essential vitamins and minerals. If you don’t have a risk of cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, it’s safe to consume one to two eggs daily to help ensure the baby develops healthily in the womb.)
“Marami akong natutunan dito maganda ito dahil sinabihan nila ako tungkol sa programang isinagawa dahil gusto din makinig ng mga makakatulong sakin bilang isang buntis,” said Rose Anne Abellasinal, one of the recipients from barangay Rugsuanan in this city.
(I learned a lot here. It was great because they informed me about the program that was being conducted. I also want to hear words that can help me as a teenage pregnant woman.)
The city government ensured that the recipients will continue to receive the same assistance for three months to constantly support the health and well-being of the community’s expectant and underweight mothers. (MJTAB/VGS, PIA Ilocos Sur)
