San carlos city: National government agencies, in collaboration with local government units (LGUs), are rolling out diverse programs and initiatives to ensure Filipinos have access to affordable and nutritious food choices. 'Nutrition is not just about food. It's about dignity, equity. Giving every Filipino regardless of age, gender, income, or location a fighting chance of life,' stated Department of Health - Ilocos Region Director Paula Paz Sydiongco, as relayed by local health support chief Dr. Rosario Pamintuan during the Nutrition Month launch in San Carlos City, Pangasinan.
According to Philippines News Agency, National Nutrition Council - Ilocos officer-in-charge Kendall Gatan highlighted that while stunting and wasting among children remain concerns in the region, with a stunting rate of 16 percent, this is still below the national average of 23.6 percent. However, obesity is a more significant issue, as four out of ten Filipinos are classified as overweight or obese. Gatan emphasized the impact of climate change on food production, which elevates food prices and restricts access to proper nutrition. Despite these challenges, government agencies are implementing various programs like national plans, supplementary feeding, and initiatives to boost the agricultural supply chain, alongside social protection programs.
Department of Agriculture (DA) - Ilocos Region project evaluation officer Irene Tactac reported that the DA is providing free quality assorted seeds and technical support to communities as part of the national urban agriculture program aimed at establishing community and school gardens in urban areas. By 2024, there are 13 community and school gardens in Pangasinan, five in La Union, and six in Ilocos Norte. The DA has also conducted 101 Kadiwa programs from January to May, benefiting 1,731 exhibitors and 28,260 households. The Ilocos Region continues to maintain self-sufficiency in rice, corn, and high-value crops, with ongoing support for 503,694 registered farmers.
The DA's distribution efforts include 4.27 million kilograms of palay seeds, 195,500 kilograms of corn seeds, 83,214 kilograms of assorted high-value crops, 600 kilograms of soybeans, 1,000 kilograms of sorghum, 100,000 cassava seeds, 6,600 bamboo seedlings, 12,500 citrus pieces, 120 kilograms of forage seeds, and fertilizers. Additionally, the DA provided 30 modules of cattle, goat, and chicken, 155 heads of cattle and carabao, and conducted training and demonstration activities. 'Achieving food security for the Filipino people through boosting local agricultural production to ensure accessibility to affordable and nutritious food is our goal,' Tactac stated.
Department of the Interior and Local Government - Pangasinan local government operations officer Czarina Gracia Manuel disclosed that 3,034 of 3,267 villages in the Ilocos Region have established community gardens, covering a total of 683,846 square meters. This initiative is part of the HAPAG (Halina't Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay) sa Barangay Project, which aims to empower villages with sustainable agricultural practices through community gardens. Villages are also tasked with creating Barangay Nutrition Action Plans. By 2024, eggplant emerged as the primary product of these gardens, with a total harvest of 56,546 kilograms, followed by onions at 45,823 kilograms, while papaya, banana, and mango are the leading fruits produced in these gardens.
