BANGUED, Abra, July 30 (PIA)–The solution to malnutrition is simple! Every family should establish its own “Food Garden” to have a regular source of nutritious foods and livelihood as well.
That is the very essence of this year’s Nutrition Month celebration theme, “Ugaliing Magtanim, Sapat na Nutrisyon Aanihin!” (Let us make planting a habit in order to reap proper nutrition.)
In his opening message during the Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) Congress 2018 held on July 19 at the Oval Gymnasium here, Dr. Anton L. Valera, Provincial Nutrition Action Officer of the Provincial Nutrition Committee (PNC), challenged the BNS to tighten their campaign in alleviating the nutrition status of the province.
Valera reminded the BNS of their role as the ‘eyes’ and ‘ears’ of the Department of Health (DOH) as they are the ones who witness the actual situations of the people in their barangays. At the same time, the BNS serve as the hands and feet of the DOH because they bring the programs of the government to address the problems of the people in their respective barangays.
Dr. Alex Bayubay, DOH-Abra Field Unit head, reaffirmed Valera’s pronouncement on the role of the BNS as he urged them to convince all families in their barangays to establish their own “Food Garden” in their backyards.
Bayubay explained that the Food Garden is a good source of daily food requirements of every family. He encouraged everyone to plant even more so they can sell their surplus to have additional family income which they can use to buy other things they need especially for their children.
Provincial Nutritionist Mary June Algarne, meanwhile, emphasized the strict implementation of the weighing of children 0-5 years old through the Operation Timbang and the administration of micronutrient supplements and the campaign for breastfeeding. She stressed the importance of breastfeeding infants up to six months to ensure proper 1nutrition of babies.
Algarne also reminded the BNS to continue their information education campaign to the parents to refrain from giving their children junk foods to prevent diseases.
Imelda Dagupon of Imelda Village, Baguio City also shared her experiences as Outstanding BNS of the Cordillera. She reminded her fellow BNS of the importance of documenting all their activities so that come reporting time, they will have no problem.
Candice Willy and Diane Joaquin of NNC-CAR reassured the BNS of Abra of their continued support for the BNS to deepen their commitment in carrying out their responsibilities of taking care of the health of their barangays being the frontliners of the DOH. (JDP/MTBB – PIA CAR,Abra)
[“Source-pia.gov”]
