Agusan Sur trains on maternal nutrition, child feeding
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – The Provincial Health Office - Nutrition Services (PHO-NS) in collaboration with the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga recently conducted a comprehensive training program on Maternal Nutrition and Infant Young Child Feeding (MNIYCF) at the Provincial Learning Center in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, this province.
This initiative equipped the barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) with essential skills to effectively deliver nutrition education and counseling to mothers in their communities.
The training featured key modules discussed by invited speakers from the province of Agusan del Sur and the region. Topics included the critical importance of maternal and child health during the first 1,000 days, best practices in infant and young child feeding, and policies under the Mother-Baby Friendly Philippines initiative. This training did not only enhance the capacity of the barangay nutrition scholars but also improved the health and nutrition outcomes for mothers and children in the region.
The workshop began with a welcome message from Laniebelle T. Angchangco, the provincial nutrition action officer (PNAO) of Agusan del Sur, who outlined the training objectives. Mariella P. Rayco, nutrition officer II of NNC Caraga, emphasized the significance of exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding, highlighting common challenges in infant feeding.
Dr. Kristina O. Plaza-Vendiola, an obstetrician-gynecologist, discussed nutritional risks during pregnancy, such as low pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and anemia, and stressed the importance of antenatal care.
Catherine G. Tan, a provincial nutrition officer, outlined the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers, infants, and families.
The final module, led by Angchangco, focused on community organizing and supportive supervision. Participants learned to conduct community needs assessments and develop advocacy strategies for nutrition programs. Emphasis was placed on the role of supportive supervision in enhancing service delivery and fostering collaboration among community health workers.
The event was graced with the presence of representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines namely Allan Alde, Jerico Bajador, and Mishelle de la Cruz-Ortega, who expressed their gratitude for the efforts of BNS and nutrition staff in advocating nutrition and its importance to health.
The training concluded with a graduation ceremony, where participants received certificates of appreciation. This recognition celebrated their commitment to improving maternal and child health in their barangays, empowering them to make a lasting impact in the fight against malnutrition. (NNC-Caraga/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
