South Cotabato, Philippines — The prevalence of malnutrition in South Cotabato has been declining as the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) strengthens its nutrition programs and services.
During the Hinun-anon sa Kapitolyo segment interview, Angela B. Frugalidad, Nutrition Officer II of PSWDO, reported that the latest data shows a drop in malnutrition rates, in which the weight-for-age has decreased to 1.88%, height-for-age to 3.66%, and weight-for-height to 0.36%.
“Padayon nga naganubo ang prevalence sa malnutrition diri sa probinsya tungod may ara kita sang initiatives kag services na ginahatag,” she said.
The major programs implemented by the PSWDO to address malnutrition in South Cotabato include RST sa Nutrisyon, supplementary feeding, and micro-nutrient supplementation.
“Madamo kita sang mga programa na ginapa implementar diri sa aton probinsya,” Frugalidad stated. “Ini nga services hindi gid naton ini makaya kung hindi tungod sa aton mga partner agencies kay sila ang nagabulig sa paghatag sang serbisyo.”
Recognizing that cases of severely underweight children exist across various communities, PSWDO prioritizes all municipalities in South Cotabato, especially nutritionally depressed and remote areas who are given closer attention as they have a higher number of malnourished children.
“Kinahanglan gid na buruligan ang aton malnutrition cases nga maimprobar ang ilang pangabuhi,” Frugalidad emphasized.
Over the past years, PSWDO has recorded a decrease in the number of children requiring nutritional intervention, from the initial batch of 219 beneficiaries reduced to 114 beneficiaries, as many children have shown progress and improvement, aged out of the program, or relocated to another town.
With these evident developments, PSWDO remains committed to sustaining and strengthening its nutrition programs to ensure a healthier future for the children of South Cotabato, particularly those in underserved communities.
