Set to heighten existing nutrition programs in the city, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tacurong, in partnership with Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), Assisi Development Foundation, and Nutrition International Canada, launched anew a supplemental feeding program on November 24, 2020, utilizing the soy-induced Mannapack Fortified Rice in fray against malnutrition amongst children in the locality.
As early as the first quarter of 2021, through the City Nutrition Council with its partner-agencies, Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), Barangay Health Workers (BHW) and daycare workers, LGU-Tacurong will start rolling out the Mannapack Fortified Rice Supplemental Feeding Program using various recipes to children aged 6 years old and below in the twenty barangays of Tacurong.
According to City Nutrition Action Officer, Rogelio Garcia, the LGU anticipates 500 children, identified to be undernourished and malnourished, to directly benefit from the said program.
Moreover, as complementary to the First 1,000 Days Law the City Government eagerly pushes for, the assistance also includes nutritionally-at-risk pregnant women as prevention against stunting and wasting among their children.
City Mayor Angelo O. Montilla, Chairperson of the City Nutrition Council, expressed his gratitude towards the partner-agencies for backing him up on the priority nutrition programs under the City Development Plan. Mayor Montilla further announced five (5) additional Job Order positions as merit to the BNS, BHW and daycare workers in assisting the government’s programs.
The launching event at the Tacurong City Cultural and Sports Center was also graced by Former City Mayor Lina O. Montilla with her input on the challenges in addressing nutritional issues and how the Health Services and Nutrition Programs were the biggest pinch of her incumbency.
Julie Llavore, Area Monitoring and Action Officer of ZFF highlighted the “TKMN” or the “Tama, Kumpleto, Maaga, Nagagamit” approach in the monitoring and evaluation of nutrition programs.
Florinda M. Lacanlalay, Executive Director of Assisi Development Foundation, video-messaged her congratulations to Tacurong City. Meanwhile, Executive Director of National Nutrition Council, Dr. Azucena Dayanghirang’s message was read by Ms. Analita Flores, Nutrition Officer III, NNC XII.
City key officials present during the launch were: City Vice Mayor Lino O. Montilla, City Councilor Lalaine Montilla, City Health Officer Dr. Giovanni Deles, City Planning and Development Officer Amalia Bochorno, and City Local Government Operations Officer Victoria Dolido. (DEC, LGUTac- Info)