The National Nutrition Council Region 2, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Isabela through the Integrated Provincial Health Office, officially launched the “Tutok Kainan” Dietary Supplementation Program (TKDSP) in Alicia, Isabela.
Dr. Nelson Paguirigan explained that the province was identified as a priority area under the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition due to its high magnitude of stunting among children.
“Good nutrition is not just about numbers or mere statistics, we should aim to move beyond and focus on the fundamental right of every child to grow, learn, and thrive.”
Paguirigan emphasized the crucial role of every family in prioritizing good nutrition, stating, “Good nutrition is not just about numbers or mere statistics, we should aim to move beyond and focus on the fundamental right of every child to grow, learn, and thrive.”
Governor Rodito Albano pledged his support for the program, stating that this commitment is a continuation of Isabela’s journey toward becoming a stunting-free and hunger-free province.
“No child should be left behind in the fight against malnutrition.”
Albano also thanked the NNC and stressed that “no child should be left behind in the fight against malnutrition,” envisioning a healthier and more nourished Isabela.
Municipal Mayor Joel Amos Alejandro also pledged the support of the municipal government of Alicia.
According to the Nutrition Program Coordinator Ma. Gisela Lonzaga from the National Nutrition Council, the TKDSP aims to provide nutritious food to at-risk pregnant women and young children aged 6–23 months.
The program’s goal is to prevent stunting during the critical “First 1,000 Days” of a child’s life, a period vital for physical and cognitive development.
In a separate but related effort to promote local self-sufficiency, the Provincial Veterinary Office distributed chicks for poultry farming, and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist also provided seeds and seedlings for crop cultivation.
These initiatives are designed to empower community members to produce their own food, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Dry food commodities and monitoring tools were also distributed to help track the nutrition program’s progress.
