The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region I features during their online talk show “Let’s talk NAO (Nutrition Action Office)” the continual conduct of supplemental feeding in the province of Ilocos Norte amidst the global pandemic.

It was Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc’s idea to bring back his grandmother’s former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos “nutribun” feeding program years ago.

The nutribun is a bread designed by the United States Agency for International Development and originally distributed under the USAID Food for Peace program to address childhood malnutrition in the Philippines during the administration of the late former President Ferdinand Marcos.

“With the help of Bakers PH, we developed a product specifically for Ilocos Norte because Governor Manotoc really wanted a specific nutribun for his people. Something that is nutritious enough at talagang magugustuhan ng mga bata,” Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO) Elma Irapta said during the online program.

After several trials with Bakers PH, a homegrown bread and pastry company, PNAO came up with a bread product that will satisfy in terms of flavor, texture, and nutrient content.

“More or less 400 calories yung isang bun. We started feeding program April 2020. Continuous feeding of 120 days,” said Irapta.

Because of this newly-developed Nutribun with increased nutritive value, PNAO noted that eighty-eight percent of the undernourished beneficiaries have improved in their nutritional status.

Given the good results, the nutrition action office continued and remain steadfast to its commitment to monitor the nutrition status of every children in Ilocos Norte.

“This year, mayroon ulit kaming nutribun feeding called ‘Enhanced Nutribun and Pasteurized Carabao’s Milk. Mayroon kaming nutribun filling like coco jam, yema, chocolate, and, ube,” added Irapta.

Aside from that, it is also fortified with Vitamins A and B6 and “malunggay” bits to ensure the child’s health progression.

During the episode, the village chief of Barangay Poblacion, Burgos attested to the successful feeding program of the provincial government when a severe case in their area showed a significant development when it comes to nutritional and health status because of the nutribun.

Barangay Captain Jojie Jimenez has been regarded as one of the local officials who have displayed consistent support in the nutritional program of PNAO.

“Yung dedication, passion, and sincerity as a public servant must be shown. Dapat ang pagsisilbi ay mula sa puso lalong-lalo para sa kalusugan ng kabataan,” said Jimenez.

Malnutrition has been a perennial problem in Ilocos Norte but with proper nutrition programs with the support of the local government, a brighter and healthier future is ahead of the children even in this time of pandemic. (JCR/MJAB, PIA Ilocos Norte)