To promote better health and nutrition in Samar, the Malusog Rice Program in Bicol joined the Nutrition Summit 2023 at Catbalogan City on July 13.
Azryl May M. Jimenez, the station’s communication and stakeholder engagement officer shared Malusog rice’s role as a complementary solution to combat Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD) and malnutrition.
“This new type of rice can provide 30-50% of the estimated average requirement of vitamin A, and can improve the diets of children—more than half of whom are not consuming sufficient vitamin A,” Jimenez said.
Presented were current nutrition initiatives and statistics, and ongoing agricultural programs in Samar, which revolved around this year’s nutrition month theme: “Healthy Diet, Gawing Affordable for All.”
According to Jimenez, VAD continues to be a significant public health problem in Samar, affecting 31% of the age 5 years below.
Furthermore, Cynthia M. Palileo, former provincial nutrition action officer, expressed support on the program.
“I advocate for Malusog rice consumption because of its healthier content. I recommend this rice to be added in existing nutrition programs,” she declared.
