The City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, through the City Nutrition Office, officially launched the 120-Day Supplemental Feeding Program dubbed as Malnourished children and Nutritionally-at-risk pregnant women Growth and Nutrition or ‘MANGAN para Alasig’ on July 7, targeting undernourished children aged 6 to 59 months in Barangay Carbon led by Punong Barangay Jaitun Danial. The program forms part of the city’s broader campaign to combat child malnutrition and promote early childhood development through sustained nutrition interventions.
A total of 40 mothers and 40 children participated in the launch. CPMDO/CNAO Jesielyn Puno provided the overview and rationale of the feeding program, explaining its goals, mechanics, and expected outcomes over the four-month implementation period. She emphasized the importance of consistent and nutrient-rich meals in addressing developmental gaps among young children.
Following the orientation, Anna Sahibil introduced the mothers to Project Zero, a complementary livelihood and environmental sustainability initiative. The project includes the proposed construction of a floating garden in Barangay Carbon, where participants will undergo a series of training sessions to build skills in urban gardening, composting, and food sustainability.
To further engage the children, CNAO Puno led the distribution of coloring books and educational materials to the young beneficiaries, supporting their holistic growth beyond nutrition.
Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman graced the event and personally led the ceremonial first day of feeding, underscoring her administration’s deep commitment to inclusive nutrition and grassroots health programs. In her message, she highlighted the city’s continued investment in nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific programs to ensure that every Isabeleño child has a strong and healthy start in life. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
