Nutrition Council present accomplishments in meeting
Mayor Benjamin Magalong assured full support for all nutrition programs after the Baguio City Nutrition Council (BCNC) presentation of updates on the third quarter status of identified malnourished children, the 2026-28 nutrition plan and the Nourish to Flourish program, Friday, Nov. 21 at the Health Services Office (HSO).
For the third quarter of 2025, City Nutritionist Lealyn Catiyan of the BCNC reported of a 76.02% Operation Timbang (OPT) accomplishment; while for the 73 underweight children, 40 remained in the same condition, 10 regressed, 19 improved and the rest graduated or transferred residence. For 1,062 stunted children or those with less height for age, 745 remained, 150 improved, 24 regressed, 58 transferred, 49 graduated, the rest improved and graduated/transferred; for 256 wasted children or those with less weight for height, 119 remained, 7 regressed, 68 improved and the rest have improved from severe to better status or have graduated or transferred.
For the 348 overweight children, 240 remained, 5 regressed, 13 graduated, 6 transferred while 81 have improved or upgraded their status, the rest have improved and transferred. It is in this category that the accomplishment rate is 21.26%, surpassing the target of 20%.
To address the children’s nutrition status, the BCNC held a program implementation and planning last Oct. 23-24 with the following outputs for the four pillars of the local nutrition action plan: healthier diet, better practices, improved access to quality service and an enabling environment.
Focus on the affordability, efficient food distribution, availability of nutrient-dense and fortified food, access to food sources from household, school and community gardens, thus urban household/community gardens and Gulayan sa Paaralan are implemented, transform market choices towards nutritious diets, and improved access to diverse and nutritious food for the most vulnerable groups; Pregnant and lactating women consume diversified and nutrient-rich diets, and utilize maternal and child health and nutrition services; parents and caregivers of children 0-23 months demonstrate exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding, WASH and care practices while those with children 2-5 years old provide safe, nutritious diet and demonstrate responsive caregiving nutrition practices, and adolescents, adults, elderly, Persons with Disability (PWD) and the general public consume healthy diets and adopt healthy lifestyle, and some engage with physical activity;Improved access and quality nutrition services for pregnant and lactating women, children of different ages, adolescents, adults, elderly, PWDs. Mental health, psychosocial support and facilities/materials/instructions for physical activity should be accessible, with nutrition services during emergencies and disasters.
Food and nutrition security data/information, governance structures for coordination and implementation, adequate personnel delivering integrating capacitated and incentivized nutrition interventions, and multi-sectoral nutrition interventions should be available, adequately financed and implemented.Also presenting their inputs, recommendations and suggestions during the meeting is City HSO head Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes and BCNC member/representatives from the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Nutrition Council (NNC) Regional Office, community, early education bodies, Public Employment Services Office (PESO), Mt. Province Mission (MPM), HSO Nutrition Office and secretariat, Philippine Dental Association (PDA) – Baguio Benguet Chapter, Salt Iodization Cooperative representative retired City Nutritionist Angelita Sabado, Retired City Medical Officer Dr. John Tinoyan and other concerned offices.
The Nourish to Flourish’ program for underweight children which was launched Oct. 15 was presented, with focus on assessed needs: food packs, multivitamins, therapy, school supplies and for the parents: livelihood and employment, work, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training, Nutrition Education, and Seeds and Seedlings for sustainable food supply. – jgfianza
