During the Philippine Information Agency’s radio program at DXNO radio Komunidad,  Candeline Antonio, Project Development Officer-DSWD IX said that the BangUN project will focus on promoting healthy eating habits, providing access to nutritious foods and improving the delivery of health and nutrition services.

It will also promote breastfeeding, provide nutrition education and counseling and implement community-based feeding programs.

“We are very glad to have this BangUN Project which is well-accepted and supported by our LGU partners to reduce malnutrition here in Basilan especially to these identified areas, wherein we need to work together towards improving the nutrition status of underprivileged families and children,” Antonio expressed.

Antonio further explained that target areas for the project include children aged 0-12 years old and pregnant women including teen mothers and lactating mothers.

Furthermore, Liezel Aramal-Loo, Nutritionist and Dietician of DSWD-IX also discussed the importance of breast feeding among infants as it is a vital factor in the healthy growth and development of babies. She emphasized that it is also part of the objectives of BangUN project to promote breastfeeding to help prevent malnutrition.

“It is the most natural and intimate way for mothers to provide their infants with all the necessary nutrients, vitamin and minerals necessary for their overall growth and well-being,” Loo said.

Meanwhile Al-Razhien Hassan, Social Worker of DSWD-IX further explained that BangUN Project which initially identified Tabuanlasa and Sumisip municipalities in the province, aims to create a supportive environment that enables families to make healthy food choices and ensure access to quality health and nutrition services.

He added that implementation will be in partnership with local communities, and other government agencies.