Koronadal City, South Cotabato – Venus, a once-underweight little girl from Barangay Rotonda, has shown remarkable progress in her journey toward better health and nutrition, thanks to the flagship program “Responsable nga Pagtatap kag Pagsagop sa Nutrisyon” (RST sa Nutrisyon) initiated by Governor Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr.
RST sa Nutrisyon is a comprehensive health and nutrition program designed to address malnutrition among children in South Cotabato. The program includes a three-month supplemental feeding initiative, one-on-one nutrition education provided by Barangay Nutrition Workers (BNWs), and a livelihood project involving chicken raising to ensure families have a sustainable source of protein through meat and eggs.
Venus’ mother Cecilia Suizo diligently followed the program’s guidelines and the recommendations of the assigned Barangay Nutrition Worker. As a result, Venus gained significant weight and reached a healthier status within just three months.
“It’s incredible to see how a well-structured program and a mother’s dedication can transform a child’s health,” said Angela Frugalidad, a recognized Nutrition Officer and one of the program’s champions. “This is why we continue to innovate and focus on sustainable solutions for families.”
Venus’ family also benefited from the livelihood component of the program, which enabled them to raise chickens.
“Through this initiative, they now have a steady source of eggs and meat, improving their overall nutritional intake,” shared Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Rudy Jimenea. “Programs like RST sa Nutrisyon go beyond temporary solutions and ensure long-term improvements in community health.”
In 2024, there were 13 severely malnourished children were saved from malnutrition and as of press time, according to record, they are in normal weight.
South Cotabato’s dedication to nutrition programs has earned the province the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) award for three consecutive years, a testament to its commitment to excellence in health and nutrition. The province aims to sustain this streak for another three years to achieve the prestigious Nutrition Honor Award, the highest recognition given to local government units for outstanding nutrition programs.
The National Nutrition Council in the region recognized the Provincial Government of South Cotabato for obtaining the Very Satisfactory performance in the management and implementation of the Nutrition Program with an average rating of 92.96 percent in 2023 nutrition standards.
Meanwhile, the NNC acknowledged RST sa Nutrisyon as one of the Regional Awardees for Innovative Service deliveries on Eradicating malnutrition or RAISE Award in 2024.
Jimenea and Frugalidad are set to attend the national awarding ceremony as the champions in nutrition this March in Metro Manila.
With the help of nutrition program implementers, South Cotabato is poised to set the gold standard in nutrition, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for its children.
