The Valenzuela City government, through its Health Office Nutrition Unit, launched the annual Oplan Timbang Plus (OTP) program on Thursday, Jan. 9, to address malnutrition among children.
City health workers weighs in child in a salter-type weighing scale (Photo from Valenzuela Government)
Conducted during the first quarter of every year, the program evaluates children’s nutritional status to identify those needing additional medical supervision.
The initiative aims to enhance children’s overall well-being by providing essential interventions, such as Vitamin A supplements and deworming tablets, with dosages tailored to each child’s age and medical history.
The program also promotes regular monitoring of children’s growth, encouraging parents and communities to take an active role in ensuring their children’s health.
As part of the program, children under five undergo weigh-ins using the National Nutrition Council’s (NNC) approved salter-type weighing scales.
Accurate height measurements are also recorded by barangay nutrition scholars, who educate parents and guardians on proper deworming practices.
Data collected during these sessions will be used to design new nutrition programs and improve existing initiatives in Valenzuela City.
Mayor Weslie “WES” Gatchalian encouraged parents to actively participate in the program, emphasizing the importance of securing children’s nutritional well-being.
The OPT Plus program aims to complete assessments across all 33 barangays by the end of March 2025 to ensured that no child is left behind in the city’s fight against malnutrition.