Baguio: The City Health Services Office (CHSO) announced significant progress in its 'Adopt A Child Nourish To Flourish' program, with notable improvements observed in the health status of malnourished children six months post-launch.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative, spearheaded by City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, has been instrumental in matching malnourished children with sponsors, aiming to enhance their health conditions based on recommendations from health officials. The program's sponsors provide for the health needs of beneficiary children, including medical check-ups to monitor health improvements.

The 'Adopt A Child Nourish To Flourish' program, an extension of an annual December activity, focuses on enhancing the nutritional, emotional, and educational abilities of identified children. It also supports the children's parents through skill development and livelihood programs. Among the program's 51 beneficiaries, 14 were identified as wasted or suffering from acute malnutrition, 36 were stunted, and one was underweight. The January assessment showed a 13.72 percent improvement rate, with some children achieving normal weight and others experiencing improved weight for height.

Commenced in October 2025 with a gift-giving event in December, the six-month program monitored the growth of beneficiaries monthly, with a comprehensive assessment expected at its conclusion.

Additionally, Lealyn Catiyan, CHSO Nutrition Office in-charge, highlighted the success of the Operation Timbang Plus (OPT+), a growth assessment initiative for children aged 0 to 59 months in barangays. By April 22, OPT+ had achieved a 54.98 percent accomplishment rate, weighing 15,391 children out of a 27,992 target. The results identified 562 underweight, 1,078 stunted, 228 wasted, and 306 overweight children.

OPT+ generates crucial data on children's nutritional status, guiding local government units in managing nutrition programs. Besides growth monitoring and profiling, the program also offers interventions and referrals to various agencies, along with nutrition education and livelihood training for parents and caregivers of nutritionally at-risk children. The initiative ensures nutritional and health needs are met during the first 1,000 days of life, a critical period for a child's development.