Nutrisyon Diary

02/09/2025

Hindi inirerekomenda ng World Health Organization (WHO) ang paglalagay ng asukal sa pagkain ng batang edad 6-36 buwan. Kapag sinanay agad ang isang bata sa matamis na pagkain, mas mahirap matutunan ang wastong pagkain at mas mataas ang tsansang magka-overweight, diabetes, o altapresyon sa kanyang pagtanda.

Ngayong , ipanawagan natin ang mas mahigpit na regulasyon sa pagkaing pambata—para masigurong ligtas, masustansya, at akma sa pangangailangan ng bawat bata.

, a healthier food environment.

29/08/2025

Family Health and Nutrition Fair in Concepcion, Iloilo

Theme: Healthy Families, Stronger Communities
August 29, 2025

The Department of Health , Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH RO6) in collaboration with the Provincial Health Office and the Concepcion Primary Care Facility (PCF), successfully conducted a Family Health and Nutrition Fair in Concepcion, Iloilo.

The event gathered diverse participants including pregnant and lactating women, school children, adolescents, men and fathers, and adult women.

A total of around 300 clients were served through a wide range of health programs and services spearheaded by the Family Health and Nutrition Cluster of DOH RO6 and the Provincial Health Office.

Carousel of Services and Activities;

Adolescent Health and Development Program (AHDP): Lectures and health education for teens to encourage healthy lifestyles and informed decision-making.

Family Planning: Service provision for women of reproductive age, empowering them with choices for responsible parenthood.

Smoking Cessation Program: Health education on the harmful effects of smoking and counseling to encourage quitting for better lung and heart health.

Oral Health: Dental services for children and pregnant women to promote preventive oral care.

Men’s Health: Health lecture highlighting the importance of wellness among fathers and adult men.

Maternal Health: Free HIV and Syphilis testing, oral health services, and free ultrasound with official results conducted by Dr. Mee Silao, OB-Sonologist of Western Visayas Sanitarium, together with her team.

School-based Immunization: Protection of children against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Konsulta Profiling:
Initial patient encounters to promote regular health check-ups and early detection of conditions.

Nutrition Services: Distribution of Pinggang Pinoy guides, breastfeeding and complementary feeding brochures, iron-folic acid supplements, Vitamin A, and reinforcement of the “10 Kumainments” nutrition campaign.

A major highlight of the fair was the recognition of 29 breastfeeding mothers who exclusively breastfed their infants for the first six months.
These mothers were awarded certificates of recognition as role models in promoting optimal infant and young child feeding practices.
As an additional incentive, they also received breastfeeding kits from DOH, a token of appreciation and support for their dedication to exclusive breastfeeding.

Benefits & Take-Aways::

Families gained direct access to free health services, saving both time and cost.

Mothers and caregivers were empowered with knowledge on breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and maternal health.

Adolescents and men learned the value of health-seeking behavior and preventive care.

Children benefited from oral health check-ups, immunizations, and nutrition promotion, laying the foundation for a healthier future.

Overall, the activity fostered a deeper understanding that strong families begin with good health and nutrition practices.

The Provincial Health Office and DOH RO6 extend heartfelt thanks to:

The Concepcion Primary Care Facility (PCF) for graciously hosting the event, led by Dr. Mark Anthony P. Celestial, Municipal Health Officer, and supported by all PCF staff and personnel.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Concepcion for their unwavering support spearheaded by Hon. Milliard S. Villanueva, Municipal Mayor and along with LGU officials and staff, whose collaboration made the fair possible.

This initiative reflects the unwavering commitment of the Provincial Health Office, DOH RO6, PCF and the LGU and local partners to bring comprehensive, family-centered, and accessible health services closer to the people.
By promoting health, wellness, and informed choices, the fair reaffirmed the theme: “Healthy Families, Stronger Communities.”

29/08/2025

29/08/2025

28/08/2025

COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING: Starting at 6 months old

Breastmilk is still the best, but at 6 months, babies need extra nutrients to grow healthy and strong. This is where complementary feeding begins.

✅ When to Start?

👉 At 6 months, together with continued breastfeeding.

✅ What to Give?
Start with soft, mashed, and well-cooked foods like:

Mashed vegetables (kalabasa, carrots, potatoes)

Mashed fruits (banana, papaya, avocado, mango)

Lugaw/arroz caldo with mashed fish, chicken, or meat

Iron-rich foods (malunggay, egg yolk, fish, beans)

✅ Consistency (Texture):

6–8 months: pureed, mashed, semi-solid food

9–11 months: finely chopped, soft finger foods

12–24 months: family foods (small portions, soft)

✅ Frequency & Amount:

6–8 months: 2–3 times/day + 1–2 healthy snacks

Start with 2–3 tablespoons per meal, then gradually increase.

9–11 months: 3–4 times/day + 1–2 snacks

12–24 months: 3–4 times/day + 1–2 snacks; half cup to one cup per meal

✅ How to Feed:
Always feed with patience and love.

Encourage self-feeding when ready.

Avoid junk foods, soft drinks, coffee, and too much sugar/salt.

✅ Continue Breastfeeding!
Breastmilk remains a vital source of nutrients up to 2 years or beyond.

Reminder for Nanay:
Complementary feeding is not just about food, it’s about nurturing, bonding, and helping your baby grow into a healthy, active, and smart child.

28/08/2025

Strengthening Local Nutrition Governance: Reactivation of the Municipal Nutrition Committee of Sta. Barbara in Partnership with CORE Philippines

August 28, 2025 | Mayor's Office Conference Room

The Municipality of Sta. Barbara, in partnership with the Provincial Nutrition Committee (PNC) Iloilo led by Dr. Wendel Marcelo, Provincial Health Officer I/Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO), and CORE Philippines through its Special Project “Breaking Barriers in the First 1,000 Days,” successfully conducted the reactivation of the Municipal Nutrition Committee (MNC).

The activity was facilitated by Mrs. Norma Chan, Executive Director of CORE Philippines, together with her dedicated team, who worked closely with the Local Government Unit of Sta. Barbara to strengthen local nutrition governance.

During the program, Dr. Marcelo emphasized the critical importance of investing in nutrition in his discussion “Why Invest in Nutrition.” He highlighted that proper nutrition, especially during the First 1,000 Days of Life (from conception up to a child’s second birthday), has a lifelong impact on physical growth, cognitive development, school performance, and overall productivity. He explained that good nutrition during this period prevents stunting, promotes optimal brain development, improves school readiness, and ensures better productivity in adulthood.

Following his presentation, Ms. Leni Disin, District Nutrition Program Coordinator (DNPC), discussed with the committee the Selection and Recruitment of Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) and the provisions of Presidential Decree 1569.
She underscored the importance of appointing qualified and committed BNS as frontline workers in nutrition to ensure that every barangay has an active BNS who will implement and sustain nutrition programs at the community level, in alignment with national policies and standards.

The reactivation of the MNC was made more meaningful with the presence of Hon. Dennis Superficial, Municipal Mayor of Sta. Barbara and Chairperson of the MNC, who expressed his full support and commitment to advancing nutrition programs in the municipality.

With Sta. Barbara’s renewed commitment, the municipality is now in a stronger position to align with the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), reduce malnutrition, and secure a healthier future for its children and families.

“Kung sama-sama tayong kikilos, walang batang maiiwan sa gutom at malnutrisyon!
Sa pagkakaisa ng pamahalaan, komunidad, at bawat pamilya, makakamit natin ang sapat na nutrisyon para sa lahat."

27/08/2025

Regional Nutrition Evaluation for MELLPI PRO in Iloilo Province

The National Nutrition Council Region VI (NNC RO6), through the Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET), successfully conducted the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation Protocol (MELLPI PRO) for the Top 3 Provincial Nutrition Awardees who garnered the highest ratings using the MELLPI PRO Tool.

The activity began on August 20, 2025, in Lemery, followed by the evaluations in Tigbauan with the OBNS and Miagao with the MNAO (Dr. Rhea P. Palacios) on August 26, 2025.
On August 27, 2025, Iloilo proudly presented its entry for the Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO),
Dr. Wendel Marcelo.
In the afternoon of the same day, the presentation of MELLPI PRO results was also discussed with the municipalities of Tigbauan and Miagao.

This evaluation highlights not only the gains in nutrition governance but also the hard work and dedication of our municipalities, nutrition focal persons, and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) who tirelessly strive to improve the nutritional status of children and communities. Their collective effort and unwavering commitment are the foundations of the excellent outcomes achieved in the province.

We sincerely thank the Local Chief Executives, Municipal Nutrition Action Officers (MNAOs), Municipal Nutrition Committees (MNCs), and all the people working behind the success of this regional evaluation.
Special thanks also to the Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET), our Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr., and the Provincial Health Office Nutrition Team headed by Dr. Maria Socorro Quinon, for their continued support and leadership in championing nutrition.

Warmest congratulations to all municipalities representing Iloilo Province, your achievements reflect teamwork, perseverance, and compassion for the people you serve. Indeed, Iloilo continues to stand as a model of excellence in advancing nutrition and food security.

Sa PPAN SAMA-SAMA,
kaya naton nga mapabaskug ang nutrisyon, mapabakod ang pamilya, kag mapasanyog ang pungsod.
Padayon kita sa aton tinutuyo, Nutrisyon sapat para sa lahat!

27/08/2025

𝐆𝐎𝐕. 𝐓𝐎𝐓𝐎 𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐆'𝐋 𝐍𝐔𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐄𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒

Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. warmly welcomed the members of the Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) headed by Queenie Tad-y of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 6.

They are here to assess the performance of local government units (LGUs) in planning and implementing nutrition programs through the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) framework.

Joining them were Provincial Health Office chief Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon, Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Wendel Marcelo, and District Nutrition Program Coordinator Leni Disin.

25/08/2025

EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING
THE BEST START IN LIFE!

🤱 Exclusive Breastfeeding means giving your baby only breastmilk for the first 6 months, no water, no other milk, no food, just pure, natural, and complete nourishment from the mother.

Benefits of Exclusive Breastfeeding:

✅ Protects your baby from infections and diseases

✅ Provides the perfect nutrition for growth and brain development

✅ Strengthens the bond between mother and child

✅ Helps mothers recover faster after giving birth


✔️ At 6 months, start giving safe and healthy complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding.
✔️ Continue breastfeeding up to 2 years and beyond for stronger immunity and better growth.

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is skin-to-skin contact where the baby (especially preterm or low birth weight babies) is placed upright on the mother’s bare chest, covered with a blanket or cloth.

When to Apply KMC:
✔️ For preterm or low birth weight babies (

21/03/2025

MARCH 20, 2025: OPERATION TIMBANG PLUS ORIENTATION AND UPDATES HELD IN CARLES, ILOILO

The Municipal Nutrition Committee (MNC) of Carles, in partnership with the Provincial Health Office (PHO) - Iloilo Nutrition Service, successfully conducted an orientation on Operation Timbang Plus (OPT Plus) for Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) on March 20, 2025.

The event aimed to update BNS on the enhanced OPT Plus program, which focuses on monitoring the nutritional status of children and providing interventions to address malnutrition.

During the orientation, the PHO-Iloilo Nutrition Service team presented updates on the OPT Plus guidelines, protocols, and tools. The BNS were also trained on proper weighing and measurement techniques, data collection, and reporting. The MNC and PHO-Iloilo Nutrition Service emphasized the importance of accurate and timely data collection in identifying and addressing malnutrition cases in the municipality.

Carles LGU is one of the Philippine Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Program (PMNP) municipalities, where BNS serve as frontline workers in delivering nutrition programs and interventions at the community level. Their dedication and active participation in OPT Plus contribute significantly to ensuring that every child receives proper nutrition support.

The Barangay Nutrition Scholars play a crucial role in implementing the OPT Plus program at the grassroots level, and this orientation equipped them with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively perform their duties.

The successful conduct of the orientation is a testament to the strong partnership between the MNC, PHO-Iloilo Nutrition Service, and the Barangay Nutrition Scholars in promoting nutrition and addressing malnutrition in Carles, Iloilo.