Talisay strengthens nutrition program

CEBU, Philippines - To strengthen the nutrition program, Talisay City plans to appoint a scholar in every barangay that will be responsible in delivering nutrition-related services to his/her area of jurisdiction.

The move is part of the city's "Barangay Nutrition Program" which is aimed at battling malnutrition.

The city in 2007 was listed by the National Nutrition Council 7 as having the highest prevalence rate of malnutrition among pre-school children in all cities in Central Visayas.

Talisay has however successfully managed to step out of the top spot in the ensuing years due to its massive drive against malnutrition by mass feeding programs in the 22 barangays.

But Councilor Choy Aznar, chairman on council committee on Health, still believe that the problem remains a thorn especially that there are still many areas suffering from it.

"The city urgently needs greater involvement at the grassroots level," read Proposed Resolution No. 2010-7-9, which Aznar authored.

Under this newly approved resolution, every barangay will pick one scholar each that will become a "barangay-based volunteer worker responsible for delivering nutrition services and other related activities."

The scholar will be intensively trained for the job, and will receive an honorarium. (THE FREEMAN)