Dinagat Islands encourages children to eat nutritious food in fight against malnutrition
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr. shared the provincial government’s initiative to motivate children to eat well and be healthy so they can freely play in the inflatable playgrounds that will make rounds in the barangays with high malnutrition cases.
This was the statement of the governor during the Kapihan sa PIA on June 29 at the Provincial Guest Center in Barangay Cuarinta, San Jose, as he addressed the media inquiry on the provincial government’s efforts to address malnutrition in the province, especially among children.
“Nipalit ta ug duha ka inflatable playgrounds nga ato dal-on sa mga barangay nga taas ug kaso sa malnutrition, apil na sa wala mitubo ug kulang sa timbang para ma-inspire sila pag-uli sa balay ug mokaon ug tarong para makaduwa ug balik sa inflatable playgrounds,” the governor said.
(We bought two inflatable playgrounds, and these will be brought to all barangays, prioritizing those with high malnutrition, including those with stunting and underweight cases to inspire children to eat well so they will have an opportunity again to play in the huge inflatable toys)
“We look into the root causes of malnutrition which are connected to hunger and poverty. We have programs to elevate communities from poverty and strengthen our food security,” Gov. Demerey added. “Together with TESDA and DOST, they are training parents to cook nutritious food for their children.”
“We also worked with DOLE under its program on TUPAD so pregnant mothers will cook nutritious food to curb this concern,” he told the audience during the Kapihan.
Inspired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to create a future where no child goes hungry, Demerey considered this initiative unique in the province that addresses the personal struggle of parents who are challenged with children who are picky eaters and malnourished. This will result in behavioral changes among children toward appreciation of nutritious foods like vegetables.
Meanwhile, the governor relayed that the inflatable playgrounds will also be used to help children struggling with reading comprehension and in mathematics, inspiring them to practice reading and diligently study in the said subjects to improve leaners’ literacy in the province. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)
