The National Nutrition Council (NNC) has launched the “Tutok Kainan” Supplementation Program to address the high rate of malnutrition in the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The supplementation program will prioritize the nutritional needs of pregnant women to support their pregnancy and the growth of their child, particularly during the most crucial first 1000 days of life when mental capabilities and physical aspects are developing.
“This is the program that will show to the people, to the Philippines, to the world, that we are very serious in implementing the national food policy and really making sure that we implement correctly the objectives of the first 1000 days law,” NNC Executive Director Dr. Azucena Dayanghirang stated.
Experts have explained that unmet needs during the most critical phase of development may result in underdeveloped capabilities and stunting.
The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Zero Hunger said the program will start in some areas nationwide and will expand in the coming years to finally resolve the country’s problem on malnutrition.
“Kasi kung ‘di natin matututukan ang nutrisyon sa first 1000 days ay huli na ang lahat para sa pisikal at mental development ng bata (If we do not attend to their nutrition in the first 1000 days, it will be too late for the child’s physical and mental development),” IATF on Zero Hunger Chairperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles asserted. – Report from Kenneth Paciente
