The Pasig City local government signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Health — Metro Manila Center for Health Development (MMCHD) to implement the pilot run of the “Karinderya para sa Healthy Pilipinas” program on Monday, April 17.
The MOA signing was facilitated by City Health Promotion Office (CHPO) Head Dr. Mariane Loe Bringuelo, City Nutrition Committee (CNO) Action Officer Jenily Capalaran, and City Health Office (CHO) Officer Dr. Joseph Panaligan.
(Pasig City Nutrition Committee / MANILA BULLETIN)
It was signed by stakeholders of the local government from the pilot barangays, namely Barangay Maybunga Chairman Arnold Alvarez and "karinderya" owner Josefina Calma; Barangay Rosario Chairman Aquilino S. Dea Cruz Sr., Barangay Councilor on Health Jaime De Leon, and "karinderya" owner Melinda Bernal; as well as Nutritionist Dietitian Eileen Cruz.
The “Karinderya Para sa Healthy Pilipinas” program aims to directly involve local food hubs such as "karinderyas" in the national and local government’s efforts against malnutrition.
Compliance to the rules of the program would help ensure that food being served to customers meet the nutritional and dietary needs of citizens, particularly pregnant and lactating mothers and children aged five and below.
(Pasig City Nutrition Committee / MANILA BULLETIN)
According to the DOH, “the 'karinderya' can be harnessed as partners in nutrition for and beyond the implementation of dietary supplementation activities.”
“First, due to its physical and social closeness with the community, beneficiaries may be more likely to attend dietary supplementation activities implemented by the 'karinderya.' Second, if assisted in transition from serving generally salty, oily, and fatty food, as well as sugar-sweetened beverages to serving safe, healthy, and affordable food, the 'karinderya' could greatly contribute to reducing the prevalence of malnutrition in the community,” stated the DOH program playbook.
“To make this possible, "karinderyas" must be capacitated in key areas, including proper food safety and sanitation practices,” it added.
Under the program, the local government and the partner "karinderya" owners sign a service contract agreement, wherein they are screened according to their history of establishment, duration of service in the community, capacity, and commitment to the program prior to the signing.
The pilot test will run for an estimate of 120 days with financial support coming from the local government.
The partner "karinderyas" will undergo capacity development and training on food safety and preparation and and nutrition standards.