Koronadal City, South Cotabato | August 22, 2025 – Senior citizens in South Cotabato are not only receiving financial support through the government’s social pension program but are also gaining valuable health and nutrition guidance, Community Affairs Officer IV Angela F. Frugalidad, RND, said.
Frugalidad, who serves as under the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), said the integration of nutrition advocacy with social welfare programs ensures that vulnerable sectors like the elderly are not left behind.
“Our Nutrition Program is housed under the PSWDO, allowing us to collaborate closely with other sectoral services, especially those involving vulnerable populations like senior citizens,” Frugalidad shared.
With advancing age comes increased nutritional vulnerability. Many older adults face challenges, including poor appetite, limited mobility, and restricted access to nutritious food. According to Frugalidad, the social pension distribution is not just about financial support—it is also an opportunity to monitor and promote the nutritional well-being of the elderly.
“When we go to different barangays for pension releases, we don’t just assist in logistics. We use this as a platform to raise awareness on elderly nutrition, offer brief nutrition advice, and observe their condition,” she said.
Her team travels across South Cotabato, ensuring that even in far-flung areas, senior citizens are reached not only with government support but also with basic nutrition information. Frugalidad emphasized that nutrition services are not limited to children or maternal care alone but span all age groups.
“We serve wherever we are needed. Nutrition is for all ages, and seniors deserve as much attention, especially when it comes to their health,” she added.
By integrating nutrition efforts into government service delivery, Frugalidad enhances the province’s mission to promote healthy aging and ensure that no sector is left behind in accessing nutrition interventions
