Lake Sebu, South Cotabato Philippines| December 13, 2025 — The Local Government Unit of Lake Sebu has officially launched “HEMKEN,” a 120-day LGU-led supplemental feeding program designed to reduce malnutrition among children, while strengthening the municipality’s alignment with Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr.’s nutrition and health agenda.
Mayor Antonio Fungan Jr. emphasized that HEMKEN is fully funded by the LGU and will continue throughout his term, assuring that “public funds must be used with proper monitoring and correct allocation to ensure programs truly benefit the people.”
He highlighted that the program is not for personal interest but for the welfare of families across the municipality, complementing Governor Tamayo’s flagship support services such as free hospitalization and burial assistance.
Provincial Nutrition Action Officer and Provincial Information Officer Rudy S. Jimenea personally graced the event, underscoring that nutrition must be viewed holistically—from proper care of pregnant mothers to correct feeding practices for young children.
“Nutrition is not just about rice. It starts with how we care for mothers. If we fail in early care, we fail the child,” Jimenea stressed. He also appealed to barangay officials and the ABC president to support local nutrition action plans even with limited budgets, emphasizing that proper allocation and effective implementation make the real difference.
Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Ma. Guia B. Arroza, RN, reported that the program targets 115 pregnant mothers and 229 preschool children, all identified through Operation Timbang in all 22 barangays.
Beneficiaries receive seven ready-to-eat food variants, including chicken products, cookies, corn soup, and Nutri Milk. Nurses, midwives, BHWs, and BNS workers conduct monthly monitoring to ensure progress and food security.
Meanwhile, Municipal Health Officer Dr. Arenz Jade Docdocil added that malnutrition remains a pressing concern, but with strengthened monitoring systems and capacitated frontline workers, the LGU is confident the program will significantly reduce malnutrition rates.
For pregnant beneficiary Michelle C. Fikan of Barangay Lamlahak, the program is a blessing.
“We are 100% grateful. As beneficiaries, we must also be responsible and support our active governor and LGU,” she shared.
HEMKEN is expected to bring lasting impact, ensuring healthier mothers, stronger children, and a more nutrition-secure Lake Sebu.
