Among the National Nutrition Council (NNC)’s response to COVID-19 pandemic and mitigation actions to the increased vulnerability of the undernourished children in this period of health crisis, is the Tutok Kainan (TK). It is a dietary supplementation program (DSP) that aims to help alleviate and improve the nutritional status of our future generation. Likewise, this is to eradicate the ever-pressing concern of malnutrition among Filipinos. The Tutok Kainan: Dietary Supplementation Program Phase 4 includes the 6-23 months old children in Zamboanga City who are specifically targeted to prevent child stunting in the first two years of life or the period referred to as the First 1000 Days being the golden window of opportunity.

On October 17, NNC9 DMO II for Zamboanga Sibugay Ms. Karla Calapardo together with CHO CNPC Ms. Leonides Macabinguil visited Barangay Pasonanca to conduct an Orientation on Tutok Kainan:DSP where 23 participants that include Barangay Kagawad, Barangay Chief Tanod, Barangay Secretary, selected Barangay Nutrition Scholars, Barangay Health Workers, Nurses and Midwife, were in attendance. Then on October 18, DMO II Ms. Calapardo alongside CNPC Ms. Jocelyn Saavedra visited Barangay San Roque where 18 participants that includes the Barangay Chairman, Barangay Kagawad, Barangay Medical Officer, Barangay Secretary, selected Barangay Nutrition Scholars, Barangay Health Workers, Nurses, Midwife, and Mother of Beneficiaries were in attendance. Likewise, DMO II Ms. Calapardo along with CNPC Ms. Arlene Pagotaisidro visited Barangay Sangali on October 20, 2022 and on October 21, 2022 was in Barangay Taluksangay, where 24 participants in Barangay Sangali and 27 participants in Barangay Taluksangay that includes Barangay Kagawad, District Nurse, Midwife, selected Barangay Nutrition Scholars and Barangay Health Workers and mother of the beneficiaries were in attendance.

During the activity, the Opening remarks and Short messages were delivered by the respective Barangay Chairmen of Barangays Pasonanca, San Roque, Sangali and Taluksangay in which they guaranteed that they will do their part to meet the expectation of the LGU and the NNC as feeding program beneficiaries. Right after, DMO II Calapardo discussed the overview of the Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program Phase 4 in Zamboanga City for children 6-23 months old. The activity concluded with the Closing Remarks delivered by the District Nurses of Barangays Pasonanca, San Roque, Sangali and Taluksangay. The beneficiaries expressed their commitment and how grateful they are to be part of TK DSP with the desired outcome of improving the nutritional wellbeing of their offspring.

ZS DMO II Karla P. Calapardo, RND