South Cotabato, Philippines| August 6, 2025 – The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Nutrition Office, in partnership with the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, successfully launched the Supplementary Feeding Program under the BATAK initiative (Buntis Alagaan, Tamang Atensyon Kailangan – Sagop Bata).
The program rollout took place in two local government units: Sto. Niño and Norala.
The activity also included the distribution of livelihood assistance to families under the RST (Responsible nga pag-Sagop kag pag-Tatap sa Nutrition) program. Leading the initiative were Community Affairs Officer III Earl Rey C. Madres, Nutrition Officer II Angela B. Frugalidad, and other dedicated personnel from the PSWDO and the provincial government, who actively assisted in implementing the program.
“The program aims to support pregnant women, mothers of undernourished children, and families in need by addressing both nutrition and livelihood needs,” Frugalidad stressed.
One of the beneficiaries, Jecil Mae Detorio, a mother of three and resident of Purok Malipayon, Barangay San Vicente, Sto. Niño expressed her gratitude. Jecil, who works as a manicurist while her husband produces dayok (fermented fish), said the nutrition program significantly helps in ensuring their children’s health through proper feeding and care.
“Dako gid nga bulig ang programa sa amon pamilya, labi na sa pagkaon sang amon kabataan,” she shared. “Nagapasalamat kami kay Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. kag sa PSWDO Nutrition Office sa ila padayon nga suporta sa amon mga buntis kag mga nanay nga may kabataan nga manubo timbang,” Detorio added.
This integrated initiative reflects the provincial government’s commitment to improving health and nutrition while providing sustainable livelihood support to vulnerable communities.
The feeding program is supporting 44 severely malnourished children and 49 pregnant women with low weight.
