VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The city government of Vigan, through its City Health Office and City Nutrition Action Office, continues to address malnutrition among preschool children through its annual “Good Nutrition Family Day” activity held on December 18.
The initiative offers undernourished children essential medical and dental checkups, laboratory tests—including x-rays—nutrition counseling, and free medications, reflecting the city’s sustained effort to reduce malnutrition rates and promote healthier lifestyles among children.
Zaldy Abero, City Nutrition Action Officer, shared that the program is now in its fourth year, identifying 26 undernourished children as beneficiaries for 2024.
“The goal of the activity is to provide sufficient education to parents of children on nutrition and life skills to improve their children’s health. This year, 26 underweight children received medical and dental services, laboratory tests, and nutrition counseling, along with essential goods such as eggs, rice, and seeds,” Abero said.
He added that the sustained implementation of the city government’s 1000 Days Program has contributed to reducing undernourishment while also addressing teenage pregnancy prevention.
“The City Health Office monitors pregnant women to ensure they can access all available services during pregnancy. We also focus on children aged 0-23 months, providing them with numerous health and nutrition services,” he added.
He further assured that barangay nutrition councils and scholars regularly monitor undernourished children to guarantee they receive proper care and follow-ups.
Raquel Raquepo, a parent from Barangay Ayusan Norte with a 4-year-old undernourished child, expressed her gratitude for the program’s support.
“We are consistently contacted when there are feeding programs organized by the city’s health office because my child’s weight is low due to poor eating habits. We receive a tray of eggs and milk during these programs to help improve my child’s nutrition,” Raquepo shared.
She also attended a film viewing and seminar on maternal and child health nutrition, where she gained insights on proper nutrition and effective strategies.
“I am very grateful because my child is one of the beneficiaries of this program, and we are always contacted whenever there is such a program,” she added.
City Councilor Janina Medina Fariñas meanwhile underscored the importance of starting proper nutrition habits at home.
“Nutrition begins at home. The way your family eats, the food you consume, and the choices you make matter. When your children leave the house, they will apply the lessons you’ve taught them about healthy eating,” Fariñas said.
She also assured participants of the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s commitment to supporting health programs through the passage of crucial ordinances, such as the Comprehensive Nutrition Program and the First 1000 Days Program.
Other initiatives include amending the Breastfeeding Ordinance to ensure that health programs receive adequate funding and that they continue to initiate programs and projects aimed at improving the health and nutrition of children. (CCMT/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)
