Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program is a nutrition specific-based program of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) that aims to prevent stunting in children ages 0 to 23 months by increasing the quality and quantity of food and nutrient intakes and utilization of related ECCD F1KD services among nutritionally at-risk pregnant women and children aged 6 to 23 months. This program is being implemented throughout the Philippines, with a specific number of beneficiaries in each region and provinces. South Cotabato province, which includes the cities of Koronadal and General Santos City with a total number of 911 child beneficiaries. General Santos City has the highest beneficiary distribution, accounting for 331 of 911 beneficiaries.

In connection with this, a food and non-food commodities from the National Nutrition Council’s central office have been gradually distributed to provinces and cities in Region XII, and implementation of the program is expected to begin soon. The General Santos City Nutrition Office held a Turnover Ceremony last April 1, 2022, at Red Tree Events Production, Brgy. Dadiangas South for the Tutok Kainan Supplementation Program. Dr. Rochelle Jett Gajete-Oco, City Nutrition Action Officer-City Health Officer, Dr. Simonnete Manlangit, City Nutrition Program Coordinator Imelda Arce Silvero, RND, Jennelyn Abon-Calanao, RND DOH-NDDP, and Admin Support Riceilyn Galve organized the turnover ceremony. Flora May M. Madrona, RND, the Provincial Nutrition Focal Point for South Cotabato from the National Nutrition Council XII, also attended the ceremony.

Further, the members and representatives of the Barangay Nutrition Council, as well as Barangay Nutrition Scholars from the six identified barangays covered in DSP TK program were present during the said activity. These were attended by Barangay Chairperson Arthur Ryan Dupalco of Barangay Calumpang; Kagawad on Health Pablito Alegado of Barangay Lagao; Barangay Chairperson Yolando Acharon of Dadiangas West; Kagawad on Health Eroma Mae Sambile Bariquit of City Heights, Kagawad Ryke Petaca of Fatima, while for San Isidro it was represented by Barangay Focal Person and Heath Aides.

The six identified barangays were able to receive equipment’s such as weighing scales, measuring height mats, food containers, spoon and fork, and initial dry food commodities like Mingo Meals in different flavors (Chocolate, Ube, Squash, and Plain flavor). Apart from that, PNFP Madrona discusses the necessary counterparts of General Santos City and its barangays for efficient implementation of Tutok Kainan DSP, she also discussed the conditions required for dry and wet commodities.

Before the turnover ceremony concluded, the Barangay Captains and representatives of the six barangays were given the opportunity to express their commitments to ensure successful implementation of the said Tutok Kainan DSP implementation in General Santos City. Moreover, the City Nutrition Council of General Santos City expresses gratitude and appreciation for the National Nutrition Council XII’s unwavering support in the fight against stunting and malnutrition.(FMM/AML/RML)