DAR, NNC to feed pregnant women, kids in 4 LGUs

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) will work with the National Nutrition Council (NNC) to feed pregnant women and children in Caloocan, Navotas, Parañaque and Pateros, officials said yesterday.

DAR Undersecretary for support services Emily Padilla said the NNC’s program, “Tutok Kainan: Dietary Supplementation Program (DSP),” is being implemented under the government’s Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) scheme, wherein government institutions work together to support poor people through feeding programs in schools and provision of community meals for workers and laborers.

“This time, the program is focusing on feeding 616 pregnant women and malnourished babies from the municipality of Pateros and the cities of Caloocan, Navotas and Parañaque,” she said.

Padilla said that Tutok Kainan’s objective is to contribute to the prevention of stunting among children 0 to 23 months old by improving the quality and quantity of food and nutrient intakes of pregnant women and babies.

“This program is two-pronged. One, pregnant women will be fed freshly harvested rice, fruits, and vegetables. Two, it guarantees the farmers a ready market for their agricultural products,” she said.

Padilla said there are already seven agreements signed by the DAR with the NNC and agrarian cooperatives in Albay, Camarines Sur, Negros Occidental, Cebu, Bukidnon and Siquijor.

DAR Central Luzon regional director Maria Celestina Tam said that under the partnership, NNC-National Capital Region will purchase rice, vegetables and poultry products from the Sto. Tomas-San Luis Farmers Association Inc., a DAR-assisted cooperative, for the pregnant women of Caloocan, Navotas, Parañaque and Pateros.