By Shai Garcia Executive Assistant Mae Empleo, representing Mayor Angelica "Gigi" Portes Tatlonghari, emphasizes the importance of...
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| Executive Assistant Mae Empleo, representing Mayor Angelica "Gigi" Portes Tatlonghari, emphasizes the importance of community-wide support for local programs aimed at empowering families to grow their own nutritious food, joined by other government employees and officials. (Angelica Portes Tatlonghari) |
PAGBILAO, Quezon – Local health authorities celebrated this year’s Nutrition Month with a targeted intervention program addressing undernutrition among children and pregnant women. The event, held at the Senior Citizen Center on July 28, was organized by the Municipal Health Office (MHO) and led by Municipal Health Officer Dr. Riki Tolentino.
The program featured an in-depth health forum with families of malnourished children and underweight expectant mothers, highlighting risks associated with low nutritional status and strategies to promote weight gain and maternal care. “Kailangan nating palakasin ang kamalayan ng mga magulang at buntis hinggil sa tamang nutrisyon,” said Dr. Tolentino during the forum.
Officials called for community-wide support of Mayor Portes’ ongoing programs, including HAPAG (Backyard Edible Gardening), and expansion plans for LAWA and BINHI. “Ang layunin ng mga proyektong ito ay turuan ang bawat pamilya na magtanim, upang sa hinaharap ay may sariling mapagkukunan ng masustansyang pagkain,” Empleo stated on behalf of the Mayor Angelica "Gigi" Portes Tatlonghari.
Key municipal officials attended, including MSWDO Emerita Madla, Executive Assistant Mae Empleo, representing Mayor Portes, and MHO personnel alongside Barangay Nutrition Scholars. The event also incorporated interactive segments and community engagement activities, including prize distribution and a mascot visit, designed to boost participation and disseminate health information in a family-friendly format.
The initiative forms part of a broader municipal strategy to reduce malnutrition rates and reinforce public health education across Pagbilao, with an ultimate goal of creating a self-sustaining and food-secure community. Following the success of this year's event, the MHO plans to extend these educational programs into local barangays, ensuring that health information and resources are accessible to even the most remote communities.
These localized efforts will involve regular weigh-ins, mobile health clinics, and partnerships with local farmers to guarantee a steady supply of fresh, nutritious produce for families in need. The goal is to build on the momentum of Nutrition Month and make nutrition education a continuous, year-round effort.
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