Tacloban City—Tutok Kainan (TK) a national dietary supplementation program (DSP) and the National Nutrition Council’s COVID-19 response ready to start in October 2021 revealed by Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, Dr. Catalino P. Dotollo, Jr. during the General Orientation of the TK local government unit (LGU) implementers on August 11 and 12, 2021 at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City.

Tutok Kainan focuses on a much-needed nutrition intervention, dietary supplementation of pregnant women and young children 6-23 months old, especially during the pandemic where livelihoods of the marginalized families are at stake.

Dr. Dotollo added that fifty-four (54) identified target areas are from the region as the beneficiary of dietary supplementation program targeting children 6-23 months old.

The DSP aimed to prevent stunting and provide a platform for educating mothers on desirable complementary feeding practices including promotion of local food supply value chain between the national government program “TutoK Kainan” and local agrarian reform beneficiary organizations, sustainable livelihood program associations, and farmer-fisher folk cooperatives.
Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Glenn P. Abac of La Paz, Leyte shared that the DSP will be beneficial especially to the LGUs with a limited budget but with a high number of stunted children.

For target and priority groups, the NNC computed level of supplementation for 6-11 months children at 130-230 kcal, 5-10 grams of protein, preferably with multiple micronutrient powder. On the other hand, children 11-23 months old will receive 200 – 300 kcal with 5-10 grams of protein.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the local chief executive and NNC Executive Director, Assistant Secretary, Dr. Azucena M. Dayanghirang, shall be the binding agreement of the program.

The Tutok Kainan will run for 180 days which will contribute to the prevention of stunting among children before they reach at age of two years old. # NASLabordo