31 May 2021, Cagayan de Oro City — The Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program (TK DSP) projected to expand its Phase 3 implementation in the province of Lanao del Norte.

Last 26 May 2021, the National Nutrition Council Region 10 (NNC X) through Nutrition Program Coordinator (NPC) Gladys Mae S. Fernandez and Early Childhood Care and Development – First 1000 Days Program (ECCD-F1K) Provincial Nutrition Coordinator (PNC) Stephanie C. Barrio facilitated an advocacy meeting in the municipality of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, as one (1) of the seven (7) identified recipient Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Province. The meeting was graced by Municipal Mayor Lorenzo V. Mañigos. Present also during the meeting were Municipal Nutrition Action Officer (MNAO) Cleofe Vergeire, Nutritionist-Dietitian Deployment Program (NDDP)-assigned Mitzilyn Brillo, and Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) President Helen Sumile.

Highlights of the meeting were the discussion and presentation of NPC Fernandez on the program objectives and its priority groups, the proposed recipient LGUs, the program components, updates, and other social preparations and considerations upon receipt of the program. Moreover, PNC Barrio emphasized the LGU’s roles and expected support as a program recipient.

NNC X is grateful for the positive response of Mayor Mañigos as he assures the LGU’s full support to the TK DSP and other nutrition programs in their municipality. Among his commitments were the provision of counterpart funding and support to the TK DSP and other nutrition programs, institutionalization of the TK DSP, and to continue the integration of the ECCD-F1K program in the LGU’s Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) and Annual Investment Program (AIP). Furthermore, Mayor Mañigos proposed to appoint a full-time NAO to oversee the nutrition program implementation.

In preparation for the TK DSP implementation, expected undertakings include submission of the updated masterlist of 6-23 months old children, orientations with the Municipal and Barangay Nutrition Committee, signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the NNC and LGU, modification of the cycle menu, and coordination with prospect partner Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) as suppliers of fresh food commodities.

TK DSP activation in the recipient LGUs of Lanao del Norte will provide complementary foods to the stunted and wasted 6-23 months old children for 180 days. This program was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the NNC and the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Zero Hunger. TK DSP is one of its COVID-19 response to mitigate malnutrition and hunger problems of the nutritionally at-risk individuals amidst the pandemic. (PNC Stephanie C. Barrio)