ILOILO – There is much to improve in the implementation of nutrition programs at the barangay level, according to Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., likening food to medicine.
“Food must be taken like medicine, in the right dose and the right amount,” he told over 1,400 participants during the first provincial Punong Barangay Nutrition Congress on Wednesday, April 10.
Defensor said implementing “nutrition programs, like any other programs of the provincial government, is always a convergence.”
He thus pushed for collaboration among the provincial government, national government, and barangay councils to address nutritional problems such as stunting, wasting, and overweightness, among others.
“There’s a lot of room for improvement in our nutrition programs. Although we are moving forward, we continue to face challenges. That’s why we are here to regroup and align,” said Defensor.
One of the initiatives he sees as beneficial in addressing nutritional issues in the province is the MoRProGRes Gardens, which could augment the feeding programs in daycare centers.
MoRProGRes Gardens focuses on high-value crops or ornamental plants, utilizing recycled / upcycled materials with landscaping features, and aims to serve as an agri-tourism destination for Ilonggo weekenders, as well as a response to climate change.
Established through Executive Order No. 640 by Defensor in 2022, MoRProGRes Gardens seeks to create agri-tourism destinations by blending ornamental gardening, landscaping, and high-value crop production.
“It is a food security measure, a climate change response, and a tourism program as well,” Defensor noted.
Meanwhile, Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon cited the critical role of punong barangays.
“Your role is pivotal in driving the success of our nutrition programs. You are the frontliners in our fight against malnutrition, and your actions directly impact the lives of those you serve,” said Quiñon.
Quiñon added that the province has faced various challenges in the past year, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and economic downturns. These have impacted the lives and livelihoods of many constituents, posing serious threats to their health and nutrition. “However, despite these adversities, our province showed resilience, solidarity, and innovation in responding to the crisis and ensuring the continuity and quality of our nutrition programs and services. We have also leveraged our partnerships and collaborations with various sectors and agencies to mobilize resources, coordinate actions, and advocate for nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific interventions,” Quiñon further stated.
Dr. Wendel Tupas-Marcelo, Provincial Health Officer I, explained that the congress aims to support punong barangays in understanding and endorsing the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028 so that no child will be left behind.
Since the launch of PPAN 2023-2028 in the province in November 2023, Marcelo said the Provincial Nutrition Committee and Provincial Nutrition Technical Working Group have been working tirelessly to ensure that the nutrition plan is adopted by local leaders, decision-makers, partners, stakeholders, and barangays.
The main goal of PPAN 2023-2028 is to reduce all forms of malnutrition by 2028, focusing on undernutrition, overnutrition, micronutrient deficiency, food insecurity, and inadequate infant and young child feeding practices./PN
