27/08/2026
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A healthy child is a strong foundation for a healthy community! π
From August 13β21, 2026, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, through the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (OPSWDO), conducted the launching of the Supplementary Feeding Program in ten (10) municipalities and one (1) city. The activity was spearheaded by the OPSWDO Nutrition Staff, who serve as the Secretariat of the Provincial Nutrition Committee (PNC), in partnership with selected PNC members and the City/Municipal Nutrition Committees of the participating Local Government Units (LGUs).
The program includes BATAK (Buntis Alagaan, Tamang Nutrisyon Kailangan) and SAGOP Bata, which are designed to support vulnerable groups, particularly teenage pregnant women, pregnant women with low Body Mass Index (BMI), and undernourished preschool children. The program aims to help address their increased nutritional requirements through the provision of supplementary food, micronutrient supplementation, and nutrition education, thereby contributing to improved maternal and child nutrition outcomes.
The launching of the Supplementary Feeding Program provided an opportunity to formally introduce the program to the participating Local Government Units (LGUs), beneficiaries, and other stakeholders. The activity also served as a venue for discussing the program objectives, implementation guidelines, beneficiary responsibilities, and the importance of proper utilization of the food and nutrition commodities provided.
During the launching activities, members of the Provincial Nutrition Committee (PNC) also shared information on various health and nutrition-related topics relevant to the beneficiaries.
The discussions focused on key nutrition practices, maternal and
child nutrition, proper food choices, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and other health-related concerns. These discussions were intended to enhance the beneficiariesβ knowledge and encourage the adoption of appropriate nutrition and health practices within their households
As part of the program implementation, a total of 800 beneficiaries were provided with supplementary food and nutrition support, consisting of 300 beneficiaries under BATAK and 500 beneficiaries under SAGOP Bata. The beneficiaries were provided with supplementary food commodities for a period of 120 days. The food commodities included rice, canned goods, evaporated milk, cocoa powder, sugar, monggo beans, iodized salt, and cooking oil. These commodities were intended to support the preparation of nutritious meals such as arroz caldo, champorado, and other hot meals for the beneficiaries.
To further address the specific nutritional requirements of the beneficiaries, additional food commodities and micronutrient supplements were also provided. Preschool children received chocolate milk and multivitamins with lysine syrup, while pregnant women were provided with iron-folic acid tablets and milk powder. These additional interventions were intended to complement the supplementary feeding component and provide essential nutrients needed for growth, development, and maternal health.
The program also incorporated a sustainable food production component to promote household access to nutritious foods. Each beneficiary received seven varieties of vegetable seeds through the support of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist-South Cotabato. The provision of vegetable seeds encouraged beneficiaries to establish or improve household vegetable gardens, thereby promoting the production and consumption of diverse and nutritious food within their households.
In addition to the provision of food commodities and supplements, beneficiaries were given printed Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) materials containing important nutrition messages. These included Breastfeeding Tsek, 10 Kumainments, Pinggang Pinoy for Pregnant and Lactating Women, Complementary Food para kay Baby, and a loot bag printed with the Pinggang Pinoy guide. These materials were intended to reinforce appropriate feeding practices, healthy food choices, breastfeeding, proper complementary feeding, and other recommended nutrition practices among beneficiaries and their families.
The implementation of the program further strengthened coordination and collaboration among the Provincial Government, PNC, City/Municipal Nutrition Committees, participating LGUs, and partner offices. Through the launching, orientation, provision of food and nutrition commodities, and conduct of health and nutrition discussions, the stakeholders were able to reinforce their respective roles in ensuring the effective delivery of nutrition interventions to the identified beneficiaries.
Overall, the Supplementary Feeding Program demonstrated the continued commitment of the Provincial Government of South Cotabato to addressing malnutrition and improving access to adequate and nutritious food among vulnerable populations. Through the combined provision of supplementary food, micronutrient supplementation, nutrition education, SBCC materials, and vegetable seeds, the program provided a comprehensive intervention aimed at improving the nutritional well-being of pregnant women and preschool children, particularly those living in communities with greater nutrition needs .
Through this initiative, we strengthen our commitment to preventing malnutrition, promoting healthy growth and development, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow healthy and strong. πͺπ§π¦
Together, let us continue to nourish, care, and invest in the future of South Cotabato. πΎβ€οΈ
Sa nutrisyon, sama-sama tayo! Para sa malusog na bata, malusog na pamilya, at malusog na komunidad!
βοΈNO II Dumadag
