10,361 children in Northern Mindanao are now reported healthy again by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Previously reported as “malnourished” by the DSWD a year ago through its health assessment, the nutrition status of these children, coming from the five provinces of the region, has now normalized at present.

DSWD’s report revealed that in 2012 about 18.59% of the 94,829 children found in Northern Mindanao were malnourished, and this raised a great concern for the social welfare department.

The Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) was then implemented by the DSWD to provide food to children, particularly those found in the Day Care Centers, in addition to their regular meals.

The DSWD provides augmentation support for feeding programs implemented by the local government units in Day Care Centers through delivery of indigenous foods and/or locally produced foods equivalent to 1/3 recommended energy nutrient intake (RENI).

In addition, the parents, children, and including the caregivers are also given support by improving their knowledge, attitude and practices by educating them on proper nutrition and health education. This way, according to DSWD, will improve and sustain the nutrition status of the children.

The SFP is currently being implemented in all the provinces in Northern Mindanao and the nutrition status of the children in the region has been constantly monitored by the DSWD and the local government units.

Written by Charmaine P. Tadlas, Regional Information Officer