Bill empowers barangay nutrition workers

AGHAM Party-List Rep. ANGELO B. Palmones  has filed  House Bill 2889 or “Strengthening the Barangay Nutrition Scholar Program (BNSP), Providing Incentives Thereto, Appropriating Funds Therefor Amending for the Purpose P.D. No. 1569)” to address the problem of prevailing malnutrition in the country through the creation of mandatory position for  barangay nutrition scholars.    

            “The significance of this bill is highlighted by the observance  of  Nutrition Month in  July   every year  by virtue of Presidential Decree 491  to create awareness  on the importance of nutrition,”  Palmones said

Palmones  said that the country’s vision for  a healthy and strong Filipino nation,  free from hunger  and malnutrition presents a big challenge to the government and the concerned health  agencies considering the ballooning population and  meager resources.   

“It requires not only strong commitment and dedication,  but also   creativity and innovative approach to meet the challenge of  coping with malnutrition of  the less privileged members of society. The  extension work being rendered by the barangay nutrition scholars  is a big help  in our battle against  malnutrition,”  Palmones  added.

Results of the 7^th National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI)  in 2008  showed a significant increase in the proportion of children aged 0-5 years old who were underweight (24.6% in 2005 to 26.2% in 2008)  and under height (26.3% to 27.9%).  On the other hand, for 6-10 years old,  the report also showed a  significant increase in the prevalence of underweight from 22.8% in 2005 to 25.6% in 2008.  Furthermore,  the survey report said that a very high magnitude of acute malnutrition among pre-schoolers was noted in six regions, namely:  MIMAROPA, Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga  Peninsula and SOCCSKSARGEN.

The National Nutrition Survey is conducted every five years by FNRI to generate data on Philippine food, nutrition and health situation which serves as basis for decision-making of both government and non-government institutions. Vicky B. Bartilet, AGHAM