MANILA, Philippines — To reduce the prevalence of malnutrition in Cainta, the Department of Health (DOH) has launched the Mag-pinggang Pinoy Tayo (MPPT) in the municipality.
DOH-Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) Local Health Support Division chief Noel Pasion said under the MPPT program, barangay health workers and nutrition scholars will be deployed to encourage families to adopt healthy lifestyle.
A total of 2,500 households in Cainta will be covered by the MPPT program, according to Pasion. He added that barangay and health workers will promote the newest pre-meal food guide.
“Malnutrition is a health burden that greatly affects children. When not properly addressed, it can cause various illness and even death,” Pasion said.
“Adequate nutrition is one of the factors that encourage growth and development of children. As parents, we must provide them a balanced diet with the right nutrients, including three daily meals and two healthy snacks if desired,” he added.
Filipinos love to eat, according to the health official, but what’s consumed is commonly not considered a balanced diet, with more on carbohydrates and lacking in protein.
For him, promoting nutrition will also help prevent diseases as parents should train their children to develop healthy eating habits during their growing years.