The Department of Health-Region VI (DOH-6) recently announced they would begin providing iron folate acid supplements for female students throughout the region beginning in July.

According to a release, through the program, the department intends to prevent iron deficiency anemia, improve school performance, and reduce absenteeism.

Non-profit health organization Livestrong notes, common side effects of such supplements include stomach cramps, constipation, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.

Last March, Reach Out and Feed Philippines, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to combating malnourishment, selected Bacolod City Barangays 10 and Mandalagan as part of their Project Baon program, which provides meals for impoverished communities.

According to their website, the organization seeks to be part of the solution to the malnutrition crisis in the Philippines, noting “Poor nutrition and health among schoolchildren contributes to the inefficiency of the educational system.”/WDJ