Fairview Saints Launch Child Nutrition Program to Address Malnutrition

Nutrition plays a crucial role in child development, which is why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched its Child Nutrition Program in the Philippines. On November 9, 2024, Fairview Latter-day Saints, in partnership with the Quezon City Health Department, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club, assessed 55 children, aged 0 to 5, at the Don Antonio Meetinghouse in Quezon City.

President Aldrich Araza, second counselor of the Fairview Stake (Diocese), emphasized: “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan. They are future parents and leaders, not only in our Church but also in government, corporations, and the academe. To prepare them for these roles, we must care for them even before they are born.”

Dr. Michelle Sanorjo-Aberin from Barangay Holy Spirit, said that malnutrition can be linked to underlying health conditions and socio-economic factors. “Underlying sickness like TB or congenital heart diseases make children prone to malnutrition,” she explained.

“Inadequate diet due to poverty and poor eating habits contribute to malnutrition.”

Payatas A Health Center is currently rehabilitating several malnourished children through medical and nutritional support. Dr. Anna Marie Katrina Boltron of Payatas A Health Center explained: “Kasama sa assessment namin ang profiling ng family – work ng mother or father, checkups during pregnancy, at monthly income. Kapag maraming bata sa isang household at hindi sapat ang income, hindi rin sapat ang pagkain ng bata.”

When asked about what parents expect from the program, Jackie Lou Silva, mother of 1-year-10-month-old Leiza, shared, “Para sure na nasa tama ang pagkain niya (Leiza).”

Riza Bernadas, mother of a 2-month-old, added, “Para malaman namin kung ano ang kailangan pa ng mga bata.”

The program also provided color-coded arm measurement tools: green for good health, yellow for moderate malnutrition, and red for severe malnutrition.

Riza was relieved to find out her baby was not malnourished, “Akala ko nasa yellow, pero buti green.”

President Hubert Mangrobang, first counselor of the Fairview District, cited the rights and privileges of children: “Napaka-crucial ng age na ito— mayroon ang mga bata na right to life, identity, education, development, food, protection from abuse. Kailangang alagaan natin ang mga anak natin.”

Church leaders encourage families to physically and spiritually care for their children. Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society General President, shared: “Jesus has a tender heart for children... and He rejoices at even the smallest effort to help them.”

With the Philippines as the first area to pilot the Child Nutrition Program in developing countries, Filipino families are now more eager to address malnutrition, one child at a time.