MLANG, COTABATO—The Municipality of Mlang launched a 120-day Home quarantine milk feeding program last June 8, 2020 for 24-59 months old children prioritizing 10 barangays (Bagontapay, Dungo-an, Inas, La Fortuna, Magallon Malayan, New Antique, New Barbaza, New Consolacion and Pulang Lupa) with high malnutrition rate.

The program which is spearheaded by the Municipal Nutrition Committee had allotted budget for the procurement of pre-packed fresh carabao’s milk from the Philippine Carabao Center of University of Southern Mindanao, as the latest initiative of the municipality in response to the COVID-19 threat, to be delivered door to door among target recipients with the assistance of the Barangay Nutrition Scholars in their respective areas.

Home quarantine milk feeding program aims to provide the nutritional needs of the identified malnourished children and to decrease the number of their malnutrition prevalence based on the data of the previous years.

As being known, Carabao milk is considered a nutrition powerhouse with high levels of calcium, protein, vitamins and minerals including water, making it the most complete food, hence timely amidst this pandemic situation as the perfect source of additional nutrients particularly for the malnourished.

The National Nutrition Council underscores the importance of ensuring proper nutrition especially in this public health emergency. This initiative doesn’t only help improve the nutritional status of children but also supporting our local dairy industry. As such, NNC continues to encourage other LGUs to take necessary actions and interventions in making health and nutrition a priority during this crisis. (DPAurel/AMFlores/NPC)