Koronadal City, South Cotabato — Aiming to improve the health of pregnant teenage mothers and promote the birth of healthier babies, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) has launched the “TUTOK KAINAN” dietary supplementation program in South Cotabato. This initiative specifically targets pregnant teenagers across 12 barangays within the province, providing them with vital nutritional support over a 90-day period.
Angela Frugalidad, Nutrition Officer II, shared that this program aims to address the unique nutritional vulnerabilities of pregnant teenagers in selected towns, including Polomolok, Tupi, T’boli, Tampakan, Lake Sebu, and Tantangan.
“The goal is for these young mothers to receive adequate nutrition to ensure that their babies are born healthy,” Frugalidad emphasized.
To meet these needs, the program provides daily supplement food deliveries. Beneficiaries receive fortified rice and a viand four days a week — on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. From Saturdays to Mondays, Nutri Bun, a nutritionally enriched bread, is distributed.
“This way, these young mothers get continuous dietary support to improve their health and the health of their unborn children,” Frugalidad explained.
The deliveries are arranged to be made directly to the beneficiaries’ homes, though some local government units (LGUs) have opted to establish central kitchens depending on their logistical arrangements.
The TUTOK KAINAN program is also aligned with the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) through collaboration with Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations. This partnership helps strengthen food security in the community while supporting the nutritional needs of vulnerable groups.
Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Rudy Jimene underscored the importance of focusing on teenage mothers, highlighting their heightened nutritional needs and potential health risks.
“Our teenage mothers are particularly vulnerable. This program ensures they are prioritized in receiving the nutrition they need,” said Jimene.
Through this joint effort, NNC and the South Cotabato provincial government hope to enhance maternal and child health outcomes across the province by providing consistent and accessible nutrition support.
About the Provincial Government of South Cotabato and the Provincial Nutrition Committee
The Provincial Government of South Cotabato is dedicated to promoting health and wellness, food security, and overall community development for all its residents. Through the Provincial Nutrition Committee, the government collaborates with local and national agencies to implement targeted programs that address nutrition and health challenges. Programs like TUTOK KAINAN exemplify South Cotabato’s commitment to supporting vulnerable sectors, especially pregnant mothers, to foster a healthier and stronger community.
