MALAYBALAY CITY – The Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as lead agencies, recently launched the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP) in Bukidnon

The PMNP brings together various stakeholders and involved government agencies to address critical health issues focusing on maternal and child healthcare that carries the theme “Sa Healthy Pilipinas, Lahat Malakas! Converging Governance and Empowering Communities Against Maternal and Child Malnutrition.”

“Hindi pwede sila, hindi pwedeng tayo, kundi tayong lahat. Kaya sama-sama nating i-angat ang nutrisyon ng mga kabataan dahil we are chosen, because we can! Kayo ay napili para maging piloto sa ibang lokal na pamahalaan sa Region 10. (None of them can do it, and neither can we alone. If we all come together, we can totally make it happen! Let’s team up and boost the nutrition of the youth because we’ve been chosen for this mission. Let’s make a positive impact together),” Abdullah B. Dumana Jr. Undersecretary for Field Implementation and Coordination Team-Mindanao said.

Among 17 target regions, Northern Mindanao is one of the PMNP recipients.

Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon provinces were identified as implementing sites. Four Bukidnon towns: Talakag, Cabanglasan, Kalilangan, and San Fernando, were identified as pilot areas.

The four-year PMNP seeks to enhance the nutritional status of children aged five and below, including pregnant and lactating women, through a comprehensive approach covering health and nutrition services, food security, livelihood, water, sanitation, hygiene, and behavior change communication.

Bukidnon is one of the recipients of this project geared towards adopting a bold and multisectoral approach to achieve nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions across various barangays in identified areas of the province.

DOH and DSWD, along with NNC, DA, DILG, NEDA, DBM, DOST, NCIP, and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, jointly urged the LGUs, private sector, and communities to actively participate in addressing the prevalence of childhood stunting and nutritional deficiencies.

DOH Undersecretary Dumama Jr. led the Pledge of Commitment signing that conveyed the active participation of Gov. Rogelio Neil Roque, DILG Regional Director Wilhelm Suyko, and representatives from various partner agencies, all coming together to demonstrate their dedication to the cause. (BGE/PIA-Bukidnon)