According to recent data from the Iloilo City Health Office (CHO), the city reported a decrease in instances of malnourished youth, with 273 cases regarding underweight children reported in December 2017, a drop from the 1,107 cases reported in January 2017.

“Almost 75 percent of the children improved from being malnourished,” said health officer, Dr. Bernard Caspe.

He discussed the Operation Timbang program, where underweight children are enrolled in a six month feeding program conducted by the CHO.

“We provide one meal for the children, but the two other meals are given by their parents,” Caspe explained. “We also give talks to the parents on how they can prepare healthy food with minimum budget.”

He noted, barangay officials are also encourage to promote the program within their jurisdictions./WDJ