In celebration of Nutrition Month in the country, Mandaluyong City cited Monday 10 non-government organizations (NGOs) that expressed support to the various nutrition programs of the local government for this year.

At the kick-off ceremonies for Nutrition Month held at the Mandaluyong City Hall Executive Building, 27 barangay nutrition councils of Mandaluyong City and their respective outstanding nutrition scholars were also recognized.

The NGOs were REACH Foundation, Akap-Bata Foundation, Kababaihan Kakaiba ng Mandaluyong (KKM), Harvesters Christian Foundation, Union Church of Manila, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Soroptimist International, St. Eugenie Foundation, Knights of Columbus (KoC) Council 3696, and Rotary Club of Mandaluyong Uptown.

Mandaluyong was the first city which designated a nutrition action officer in every barangay. In the capacity of Mandaluyong City First Lady and NAOPA President Carmencita “Menchie” Abalos, the officers will lead and implement the various nutrition programs in the barangay level.

“The theme this year focuses on children which is why we will be paying attention to the children of Mandaluyong. We will continue the existing programs like the ‘millennium baby’ which started in 2000 and focuses on taking care of babies starting from inside the womb until after birth,” Abalos said.

She also added that jobless mothers are subjected to free livelihood programs after giving birth to financially sustain the nutritional needs of their newborn children. Fathers are also advised to avoid unwanted pregnancies thru further education on family planning.

The annual supplementary feeding program under Mayor Abalos which will run for six months will be implemented this month.

It will benefit children in Mandaluyong City who are not subjected to any feeding programs but are categorized as malnourished.