Santa Marcela, Apayao raises public awareness to combat malnutrition

Santa Marcela, Apayao- In its quest to build resilience and health wellness among its residents, the municipality of Santa culminated its month-long celebration of National Nutrition Month on July 30, 2024, at the EKB Memorial Sports Center raising awareness to combat malnutrition.

Malnutrition in Apayao is still high with a 9.96% stunting rate, wasting prevalence rate or low weight for height 1.69%, and for underweight 4.14%.

The municipality of Santa Marcela wants to contribute to the decrease in the number and thus the activities for raising awareness were done.

With this year’s theme “Sa PPAN Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat para sa Lahat,’’ the town organized a Zumba contest, a fun way but health-boosting activity for clustered participants, where Barangay Barocboc, San Mariano, Imelda and Sipa won the first place.

PHO-Apayao Nutrition Dietician II Donalyn B. Dayaoen emphasized in her discussion the importance of incorporating the ‘G foods’ in the daily dietary consumption of children, saying the Go, Glow, and Grow lists will help in the identification and selection of proper food intake and the nutritional value they possess.  

Mayor Evelyn Martinez, meantime, urged municipal health personnel, LGU officials, and barangay officials to consistently exemplify oneness towards attaining health security.

Martinez likewise underlined the significance of promoting healthy lifestyles among families, saying it is a necessity to be informed on the prevention of malnutrition, especially since the municipality undertakes strategies to fight widespread micronutrient deficiencies.

‘’That’s why I need the involvement of everyone so that together we can have access to quality nutrition practices and services, and benefit the people, primarily our children, ‘’ the Mayor said in a statement.

Rural Health Unit and PDOHO-Apayao for their part, assured their incessant support and unified efforts for the LGU’s commitment to counter said health threat to the community’s welfare.