July 13, 2010


The provincial government’s 2009 Operation Timbang results for pre-school children showed that the prevalence rate of malnourished Batangueños was lessened by 2,430 kids, or a significant drop from 6.30% in 2008 to 5.37% last year.

This was announced on the culmination activities for Batangas Province’s 36th Nutrition Month celebration at the provincial auditorium last July 12, 2010, and reflects positively on Gov. Vilma Santos Recto’s HEARTS program that gives premium on health services.

Headed by Pedrito Martin M. Dijan, Jr., who likewise acts as Provincial Nutrition Action Officer, the Provincial Assistance for Community Development Office spearheads the PhP4 Million nutrition program of the provincial government that aims to beat undernourishment in Batangueño pre-schoolers.

The positive development highlighted the fact that HEARTS is on the right track, which, Gov. Vi declared should inspire the local government to further boost its efforts.

Region IV Nutrition Program Coordinator Alicia C. Ramos was also on hand as the province awarded the outstanding municipal nutrition committees (MNC) and barangay nutrition scholars (BNS), based on their nutrition program accomplishments for 2009. 

Calaca bested Sto. Tomas and Taysan for the best MNC, with the latter two local governments placing second and third, respectively.

Carina Atienza of Calaca was adjudged as top BNS for 2009, edging Gloria Villegas of Sto. Tomas, Gliceria Villanueva of Cuenca and Eleadora Geraldo of Rosario, who ranked second to fourth, respectively.

In line with the continuous height and weight monitoring of school children, 10 Detecto weighing scales were awarded to selected public central elementary schools and 55 Salter weighing scales were given to priority barangays, where malnutrition is most prevalent, in the province.

Theme for this year is: “Sa pagkaing tama at sapat, wastong timbang ni baby ang katapat!”  It focuses on the importance of giving complementary food, starting at 6 months old, while continuing breastfeeding as strategy to promote nutrition and health among children and prevent childhood malnutrition. - Vince Altar