Basilan: Children and pregnant and lactating women (PLW) in several identified priority areas in the provinces of Basilan and Tawi-Tawi in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) now have access to proper nutrition through the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon (BangUn) Program.
According to Philippines News Agency, the BangUn Program was officially launched in the provinces of Basilan and Tawi-Tawi as part of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s goal to combat hunger and malnutrition, with a particular focus on early childhood development, a critical stage for the youth. DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized the importance of the program in addressing these issues.
A total of 4,800 beneficiaries, consisting of 4,300 children aged 6 months to 12 years and 500 PLW, are currently being monitored in the municipalities of Lantawan and Tabuan-Lasa in Basilan under the DSWD program. Additionally, 880 children and 120 PLW in Tawi-Tawi are now benefiting from the BangUn Program.
As a part of its Direct Nutrition Services component, the BangUn Program provides beneficiaries with hot and nutritious meals for 180 days. Dumlao highlighted that meals are planned and prepared considering cultural preferences, dietary diversity, and the nutritional requirements of the child beneficiaries and PLW to support healthy growth and development. Regular monitoring is conducted through weight and height assessments.
Dumlao pointed out that the program goes beyond a mere feeding initiative. Beneficiaries receive referrals for health check-ups, deworming services, and micronutrient supplementation aimed at improving their nutritional status and overall well-being.
The program also features a Building Resilient Communities component, aimed at strengthening community participation and improving beneficiaries' socio-economic conditions through community organizing, skills training, livelihood development, and partnerships with local government units, national government agencies, and development partners.
For 2026, the DSWD has set a target to serve 22,000 children and PLW in BARMM.
