LUNA, Apayao – Around 300 participants from the seven municipalities of Apayao attended the Nutrition Convention for Child Development Workers (CDW) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), organized by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).
Held at the BGVJr. Memorial Sports Center in Luna, Apayao, today, June 11, the convention aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of CDWs and BNSs in anthropometric measurement standards for infant development and to provide guidance on promoting and advocating for good nutrition.
The convention covered various topics, including “Pinggang Pinoy for Toddlers,” strategies for implementing the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) to reduce malnutrition, food safety in child development centers, and child growth standards and anthropometric measurements.
The resource speakers were Clara Maguisan, Nutritionist-Dietitian from Flora District Hospital; Lenie Eroy, Project Development Officer I for SFP, DSWD CAR; Analyn Martinez, Nutritionist-Dietitian II for SFP, DSWD CAR; and Donalyn Bestre, Human Resource for Health and Nutritionist-Dietitian, PDHO Apayao/RHU Flora.
In her address, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Ms. Jocelyn Loyon emphasized the critical role that CDWs and BNSs play in nurturing young minds and shaping the future of the community. She highlighted the continuous support of the Provincial Government of Apayao (PGA) for the youth, underscoring the implementation, development, and coordination of programs, services, and initiatives related to social protection and poverty reduction for the underprivileged, vulnerable, and poor sectors.
The convention aligns with the upcoming National Nutrition Month in July, which focuses on healthy eating and building resilience against malnutrition. The high prevalence of malnutrition in the Philippines is attributed to factors such as poverty and lack of access to clean water and sanitary facilities, making it challenging for many households to provide nutritious meals for their children.
“Through PSWDO serving as the primary social arm of the provincial government, the PGA will continue to support yApayaos, particularly the youth, for the betterment of all yApayaos by implementing, developing, and coordinating programs, services, and other initiatives related to social protection and poverty reduction for and with the underprivileged, vulnerable, and poor sectors,” Loyon stated. By Krizza Joy Castillo