Capitol allocates P140 million for nutrition interventions

CEBU, Philippines — A province-wide feeding program, mobile kitchens, and micronutrient distribution will form part of Cebu's campaign against malnutrition following the Provincial Government's announcement of a P140-million allocation for nutrition interventions.

Baricuatro announced the initiatives during the Provincial Nutrition Month launching at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, noting that the programs are part of the administration's efforts to bring nutrition interventions closer to communities, particularly those most in need.

The seven mobile kitchens, which are scheduled for delivery this July, will be deployed to different parts of the province to support feeding activities and other community-based nutrition programs.

The governor said the feeding initiative aims to reduce malnutrition by ensuring that children and vulnerable sectors have better access to nutritious food.

As part of the Nutrition Month kickoff, Baricuatro also led the ceremonial administration of Vitamin A capsules and iron supplements to toddlers.

The Provincial Government is set to distribute around 600,000 Vitamin A capsules and 300,000 iron supplements to Rural Health Units (RHUs) in Cebu's component cities and municipalities to strengthen child nutrition and maternal health programs.

In her speech, Baricuatro underscored that nutrition must remain at the center of the province's development agenda, saying that economic progress cannot be sustained if many families continue to struggle with hunger and poor nutrition.

"If you ask me what kind of Cebu I dream of, my answer is simple. A Cebu where every family has the opportunity to live a healthy and dignified life. Kay unsaon man nato paghisgut og economic growth, quality education, ug tourism kung ang atong mga katawhan mismo gutom ug walay saktong nutrisyon ang lawas," said Baricuatro.

The governor stressed that investing in nutrition is an investment in the province's future, emphasizing that healthier children are essential to achieving long-term social and economic development.

Also present during the program was Capitol Piso Health consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan, who highlighted that malnutrition should not be viewed solely as a public health issue but also as a matter of governance.

She added that Baricuatro's decision to prioritize nutrition, food security, and improved health services recognizes that Cebu cannot move forward if children continue to suffer from poor nutrition.

"The data on malnutrition in Cebu is not something we can ignore, it should disturb us but more importantly it should move us to act," Catalan said.

This year's observance carries the theme, "Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan," and gathered chiefs of hospitals, nutrition program coordinators from cities and municipalities, nutritionist-dietitians, barangay health workers, and barangay nutrition scholars from across the province.

The program also recognized local government units and health institutions for their achievements in implementing nutrition and maternal health programs.

The Municipality of Dalaguete received a Plaque of Achievement after earning the 2025 National Nutrition Green Banner Seal of Compliance Award for its nutrition initiatives.

Meanwhile, 13 provincial and district hospitals were recognized for retaining their Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (MBFHI) status for 2025 after being compliant with standards promoting maternal and infant health.

The Capitol likewise cited several local government units that posted the lowest stunting prevalence in the province based on the 2025 Operation Timbang Version 1 results, including Bogo City, Borbon, Minglanilla, San Fernando, and Naga City.

The municipalities of Oslob, Alcantara, Ronda, San Remigio, and Cordova were also recognized for recording the lowest prevalence of nutritionally at-risk pregnant women. (CEBU NEWS)