Ilocos norte: The provincial government of Ilocos Norte has initiated a 120-day milk feeding program aimed at improving the health and nutrition of at least 350 children in the region. This effort targets children aged 3 to 5 years who are underweight and aims to enhance their overall well-being.
According to Philippines News Agency, the program, launched in collaboration with the Philippine Carabao Center, not only focuses on the health of the children but also seeks to improve the economic situation of local dairy farmers. Elma Irapta, the provincial nutrition action officer, emphasized the prioritization of wasted and severely wasted children, referring to those who are severely underweight for their height.
Irapta further explained that the program involves reaching out to various local government units within the province to conduct orientations for target beneficiaries, their parents, and village health and nutrition workers. The supplementary feeding initiative is being continued this year due to the observed improvement in the nutrition status of children in Ilocos Norte.
In alignment with the national government's efforts to combat child malnutrition and support local dairy production, the Provincial Nutrition Action Center is focusing on addressing malnutrition across the province. The feeding program is part of the implementation of Republic Act 11037, known as the 'Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act,' which mandates the provision of fresh milk and nutritious food to children in public schools and impoverished communities.
