SANTA MARCELA, Apayao – Fifty-six children completed the 120-day supplemental feeding under the Karinderya Para sa Healthy Pilipinas, last February 16, 2024 at the Elias K. Bulut, Sr. Memorial Sports Center, Santa Marcela.
Karinderya Para sa Healthy Pilipinas aims to mitigate malnutrition among children under the age of five and promote health and wellness among pregnant women and lactating mothers.
The provincial implementation has been carried out by the Provincial Health Office (PHO). It is a significant step in promoting healthy eating habits among yApayaos, as “karinderias” are a common source of affordable and accessible meals for many people.
24 of 56 youngsters received certifications for meeting the normal height and weight for their age group. Aside from the award, they received a backpack containing powdered milk, cookies, and cereal.
Vice Mayor Rolly U. Guiang thanked the provincial government and the PHO for their support to Santa Marcela, especially to the children. He also conveyed his gratitude to all of Santa Marcela’s health staff for their efforts in caring for malnourished children.
In her speech, Charlyn Tagabing also praised the health workers of Santa Marcela for their commitment and dedication to serving the yApayaos.
Provincial Health Officer Doctor Mark Joleen Calban, stated in his message that there is a 42% improvement in those who achieve normal weight and height – “It is a good indicator ket makita tayu nga nu mayat gayam ti panagpakan tayu iti annak tayu ket dakkel nga factor para mai-normal iti nutrition.”
According to Calban, Santa Marcela has a high rate of malnourished children. He also added that if there is a high rate of teenage pregnancy between the ages of 15 and 18, it leads to a high rate of malnourished children because young parents are unable to provide enough nutrition to their children.
With this, Calban encouraged Santa Marcela to maintain a low rate of malnutrition and adolescent pregnancy. By Krizza Castillo
