The Pasig Nutrition Committee (PNC) concluded the successful implementation of the “Karinderya para sa Healthy Pilipinas” program on Sept. 15.
The ‘Karinderya’ program aimed to promote health and wellness among vulnerable sectors, and help reduce rates of malnutrition in the city by providing accessible nutritious food to communities.
As part of the pilot run, 60 beneficiaries composed of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children aged five and below underwent a 120-day feeding program that began last May 8.
‘Karinderya’ or eatery owners in Barangays Maybunga and Rosario were tapped to cook and serve nutritional food daily to the program participants.
The eatery owners signed service contract agreements with the Pasig local government, conducted capacity and development training on food safety and nutrition standards.
The PNC recorded an 86 percent improvement in the beneficiaries’ nutritional status as they partook in the program.
The PNC held a brief commencement program, in cooperation with the Department of Health (DOH) and City Health Department (CHD) at the Rizal High School Gym.
The active participants and beneficiaries of the program were recognized, especially those who saw significant improvements in their nutrition and have surpassed their former weight and size deficiencies due to malnutrition.
The beneficiary with the most improved nutritional status per barangay was given an award, as well as the beneficiaries with perfect attendance during the program period.
They were also given nutrition food packs, and customized plates showing the “Go, Glow, and Grow” nutrition chart, to take home after the program.
Present at the event were CHD Head Dr. Joseph Panaligan, Health Promotion Unit Head Kezia Lorraine Rosario, Medical Coordinator Dra. Mariane Bringuelo, Nutrition-Dietitian Eileen Cruz, City Nutrition Action Officer Jenily Capalaran, and Councilor Eric Gonzales.