Children are said to be the hope of the nation. It is, therefore, relevant to say that providing for their better nutrition is a wise development investment for their future.
As an immediate response to this cause, PCC and its local partners launched a 120-day milk supplementation program last July 29. Its partners are the local government unit, Barangay Licaong Health Office, Licaong Elementary School (LES), Majestic Christ Church (MCC) and Licaong Parents-Teachers Association (PTA).
The launching was part of the National Nutrition Month celebration at LES to reduce the incidence of undernutrition in the Science City of Muñoz. The event highlighted a dance contest, ceremonial milk toast, and slogan and poster making contests.
In his message, Dr. Felomino Mamuad, PCC deputy executive director, thanked the various sectors who expressed their willingness to take part in the operationalization of the program. He underscored the importance of collective action and partnership in addressing the issue of undernutrition and in sustaining the livelihood of Filipino farmers.
Prior to the formal launch of the program, the City and Barangay Health Office conducted deworming activity in the school. They also committed to provide nutrition education and to monitor the anthropometric (height and weight) measurement of the schoolchildren.
PCC, on the other hand, conducted a “Milk Pasteurization Training for PTA” to capacitate parents and teachers on proper handling and pasteurization of milk.
PTA’s counterpart in the program is the daily pick-up and pasteurization of milk from PCC. MCC, on the other hand, pledged to conduct activities that can help nurture the values and character of the schoolchildren.
The program, which will run from August 2016 to January 2017, will serve as an initial study to document the effect of milk on children’s nutrition and school performance. This is in preparation to the national government’s plan of institutionalizing milk feeding in the country.
