South Cotabato, Philippines | November 12, 2025 – The Provincial Government of South Cotabato has allocated ₱1.5 million through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) for the purchase of iron folic supplements benefiting 4,400 secondary school girls across the province, alongside the provision of goods for supplementary feeding programs for malnourished children.
According to Community Affairs Officer Angela B. Frugalidad the distribution ensures that young women—especially those in their menstruating years—receive the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong.
“By providing iron folic supplements to secondary school girls and supporting supplementary feeding programs, we are investing in a healthier and more resilient generation of South Cotabateños,” Frugalidad stressed.
In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Health (DOH), the WIFA distribution kicked off on November 10, 2025, at Polomolok National High School – Cannery Site and Polonuling National High School in Tupi. The team continues its school visits across the province on the following schedule:
November 11: Lampitak National High School (Tampakan) and Bukay Pait National High School (Tantangan)
November 12: Talisay Integrated School (Lake Sebu) and Banga National High School (Banga)
November 17: Tboli National High School (Tboli) and Surallah National High School (Surallah)
November 18: Norala National High School (Norala) and Sto. Niño National High School (Sto. Niño)
November 19: Saravia National High School (Koronadal City)
“Each student will receive 24 tablets a year—one tablet per week, providing consistent iron supplementation to help prevent anemia and improve overall blood health,” Frugalidad said.
“We also emphasized that Vitamin C enhances iron absorption, making it a vital partner in this supplementation effort,” she reminded the parents during the distribution ceremony in Tampakan.
While the program primarily targets female adolescents, pregnant women and young men are also encouraged to maintain proper iron intake for overall wellness.
The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, led by Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., is stepping up its fight against iron deficiency anemia among adolescent girls through the Weekly Iron-Folic Acid (WIFA) Supplementation Program, spearheaded by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office–Nutrition Division.
Through this initiative, South Cotabato reaffirms its commitment to building a healthier, stronger generation—one tablet at a time.
