The month-long celebration of the 34th Nutrition month of LGU Mabini headed by our townfathers Titos Reyes and Ali Briana not just in Mabini but nationwide has just recently concluded last July 29, 2008 with the theme “Sa Wastong Nutrisyon ni Mommy, Healthy si Baby”. This program was introduced to minimize if not eradicate malnutrition particularly here in Mabini. During this month of July, RHU of Mabini headed by Dr. Maribel Lazo and MHD Dr. Evelyn Montevirgen gave free toothbrush to some children as well as supplementation of vitamin A and pre-natal check-up on pregnant mothers.

The invited guest speaker was Mrs. Milagros Gutierrez, Nutritionist/Dietician II of Pangasinan Nutrition Center. Last year the said program focused on adolescents while this year, it focused on pregnant women. This is so because malnutrition on babies is the outcome of an unhealthy pregnancy. For children to be happy when they grow up, they have to be healthy. Proper nutrition helps children to be smart. 

The speaker reported that since 1974, 30% of children in Pangasinan were malnourished. At present, it reduced to 6.4% in the entire province. She congratulated members of Health and Nutrition Program of Mabini,Pangasinan headed by Mayor Titos, Vice Ali, Dr. Maribel Lazo, Mrs. Charita Bustria, and Mrs. Teresa Ragudos for a job well-done because we only have 5.66% malnourished children in Mabini. They were able to attain the objective of good nutrition by feeding the little ones with healthy food. The said program is targeting a 4% malnutrition rate by 2010 and by 2015, 1% malnutrition rate will be at hand because we are on the right track. Participation of everybody to promote this program is needed. Each and everyone of us has corresponding roles to play.

In the Philippines, according to malnutrition survey, most of us lack Vitamin A. To reduce maternal death during pregnancy, the mother is advised to increase her weight by 11-16 kilos in duration of 9 months to nourish the fetus inside her womb. The development of the child’s brain begins at the 1st trimester of pregnancy. Breastfeeding up to 2 years and beyond for the development of child’s brain is highly recommended. The pregnant woman should visit health centers at least 4X for pre-natal check-up within 9 months to avoid illnesses that may arise and monthly check-up on the last trimester.

Now we’ll all know that GO foods are energy foods. GROW foods are proteins. GLOW foods are the vitamins and  minerals. Iron supplementation is also important to pregnant women as pre-natal care to regulate blood circulation. And of course no smoking and alcohol intake was also advised. The program also introduced Tetanus Toxoid Immunization in preparation for breastfeeding.

To grace the celebration, visitors were also present who acted as the panels of judges for the contests. They were Hon. Rhodel M. Garcia (SB Chairman for Committee on Health), Dr. Teddy Orbos (DOH Representative), Dr. Ma. Filipina Vallarta (MHO-MNAO Designate Infanta), Ms. Myrna Celeste (Project Evaluation Officer II, PSWDO Lingayen, Pangasinan), Ms. Lumen Laroya and Ms. Elizabeth  Reyes (both ND 1 PNC Lingayen, Pangasinan), Mr. Devin Espanol (School Nurse, Mabini District Office).The contests were Poster/Slogan Making, Nutriquiz, Healthiest Preschooler/DCC of the Year, and Well Pregnant Mother of the Year. Cash prizes were awarded to the winners of each category and consolation prizes to the participants.

The LGU of Mabini never stops in helping promote health programs. Two departments actually goes to every barangay to feed nutritious food, clean and safe that is, to prevent pneumonia and diarrhea which would eventually result to malnutrition which our LGU really condemns. These two departments referred to are headed by Mrs. Charita Bustria and Mrs. Teresa Ragudos. Well, let us enjoy life by eating healthy foods and not abusing ourselves with vices.

By Clifford Fontelera