DSWD feeds 73,680 children in Caraga with nutritious meals
By Jennifer Gaitano
 |
Children
from Barangays Maon, Golden Ribbon, and Pangabugan, all in Butuan City, happily
queued for the free arroz caldo during a feeding program by multi-sectoral
groups. Photo by PIA-Caraga. |
BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office in the Caraga region has served hot and nutritious meals to 73,680 children across the 71 local government units (LGUs) in the region under the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) .
DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor
Dollaga-Libang shared the accomplishment, saying, “On its 13th cycle of
implementation, this feeding vulnerable program was made possible through the
transfer of funds modality.”
“Beyond providing meals, the DSWD FO Caraga's
distribution of fresh milk to 5,000 children in the five identified LGUs within
Caraga is ongoing. This concerted effort underscored the commitment to address
hunger and enhanced the overall nutritional well-being of the region's young
population,” Libang said.
Libang further stressed that their mission is to
serve the Caraganon children and to ensure that they receive the optimal
nutrition required for their growth and development.
During the recently held SFP's Implementation
Review (PIR) for the year 2023, Protective Services Division (PSD) chief Jessie
Catherine Aranas, took the opportunity to extend the department’s gratitude to
all the stakeholders for their unwavering partnership, support, and efforts in
delivering the necessary services to the vulnerable sectors.
“The SFP has become assistive to the children's
food intake, aiming to achieve the 'no-hunger' goal that resonated with the
organization's unwavering dedication to the community,” Aranas said.
Aranas also revealed that beyond the immediate
impact of providing hot meals, the FO fostered a holistic approach to community
development.
“By encouraging parents to apply the valuable
lessons learned from the program, the organization created sustainable gains
and lasting improvements in the lives of Caraganon children. This strategic
mindset underscored the belief that empowering parents with knowledge will
contribute to the long-term success of the children as beneficiaries of
the program,” underscored Aranas.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga guarantee that only nutritious food is served to the children during the feeding programs in the barangay. Photo by PIA-Caraga.
Meanwhile, Dr. NiΓ±o Archie Labordo, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga head and regional nutrition program coordinator, expressed support to DSWD, as this also formed part of the target of the Council in addressing malnutrition in the region.
“Supplementary feeding
improves the nutritional and health status of malnourished pregnant and
lactating mothers and moderately malnourished children in poor and
food-insecure areas. Food aid is given as a nutrition supplement and is
combined with training in good health, nutrition, and care practices,” relayed
Labordo.
This initiative of the DSWD also supported the
Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) and National Dietary
Supplementation Program (NDSP).
SFP is a visionary initiative as it provides
additional nutritious meals to children 3-5 years old in the Child Development
Center (CDC). These hot meals are served for five days within a week in
designated feeding centers as a commitment to the overall well-being and future
of the region's youngest members.
Aligned with other impactful DSWD programs such as
the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive
and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, and Sustainable Livelihood Program,
the Supplementary Feeding Program actively contributed to the achievement of
Sustainable Development Goal No. 1 - eradicating extreme poverty and hunger in
the country.
DSWD Caraga continues to address immediate needs through these integrated efforts for a brighter and more sustainable future. (JPG, PIA-Caraga, with a report from DSWD-Caraga)
