Capiz launches nutrition month, feeds kids

Roxas City—Concern for the best interest and welfare of children is the primordial reason for the province to take steps in addressing the malnutrition problem here.

The province of Capiz, through Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Esteban Evan Contreras II, who is the vice chairperson and action officer of the Provincial Council for the Welfare of Children and Women, in partnership with the Provincial Nutrition Committee headed by Dr. Obdulia Gloria, has launched the feeding program in Maayon town.

The said activity coincides with the launching of this year's Nutrition Month celebration, which is observed during the month of July of every year.

More than 500 children from grades 1 to 6 from Tapulang Elementary School and children in the day care center of said barangay in Maayon town were fed by fresh milk and insomix, a combination of rice, mongo and sesame seeds that is primarily used to address the malnutrition problem.

Maayon town has the highest number of malnourished children in Capiz and ranked second among the municipalities in Western Visayas based on the results of the survey conducted in 2004. 

This is, despite the fact that Capiz province has the lowest prevalence rate of malnourished children in Region VI.

Records from the Capiz Division of the Department of Education show that more than 16 percent of their grades 1 to 3 pupils last school year were malnourished.

Hence, DepEd has recently launched the food fortification program to address the malnutrition problem among school children.

Mayor Belegio Dueñas said that malnutrition problem actually starts in the home, which is always rolled out as a result of poverty situation. Because of this, the problem should not only be left in the hands of municipal or provincial officials but must also be a responsibility of everyone.

Dueñas added that the role of parents is very vital in responding to the malnutrition problem of their children and that the community must be sensitive to the welfare of children.

He said that at their level, they were able to formulate plans and programs with support fund for their nutrition activities.

Mothers from said barangay and other neighboring barangays were also able to benefit from the technology transfer on food preparation by the personnel from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.

Seed distribution to parents by the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist was also made possible during the launching activity.

On the other hand, Contreras urged the local officials and the community as well to do their share in bringing out the best children. He also appealed for a focused attention to eventually solve this malnutrition problem.

Community officials thanked Contreras for the sponsoring the purchase of fresh milk and insomix. (PIA/Jemin B. Guillermo)