Mabalacat Saints Hold Child Nutrition Program in Partnership with LGU

Over a hundred children with parents and pregnant women participated in the Child Nutrition Program by the Mabalacat Philippines Stake (diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in partnership with the City Government of Mabalacat in the province of Pampanga last July 28, 2022, at the Mabalacat Stake Center.

Gerry Guerra, Welfare & Self Reliance Manager, witnessed the activity along with President Cristopher Dulay of the Mabalacat Philippines Stake. President Guerra emphasized the importance of proper nutrition since it plays a significant role in child development. “We are doing this because we love the children. We are preparing them for the coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ. We know when the Savior comes again, one of the things that he will do is to gather the children, and we want them to be healthy,” President Guerra added.

Children were also provided free medical checkups by volunteer pediatrician Dr. Raizel Timbang. Unfortunately, most children could not undergo pediatric checks due to the pandemic and lockdown restrictions. “Child nutrition is the foundation of healthy and better development of our children. This is for them to grow, play and learn at par at their development age,” Dr. Timbang accentuated. The Stake Primary leaders also assisted kids in weight and height registry stations. 

Meanwhile, volunteer Obstetrician-Gynecologist Dr. Shane Sicat also gave tips for having a healthy pregnancy and some maternal advice to pregnant women.

Stake Child Nutrition Specialists Felicia Mae Yu, a registered nutritionist-dietician, Louwella Valiente and Thannia Orario conducted several talks to remind parents of the importance of proper diet and preparing healthy food for their kids.

This successful activity will not be possible without the full support of the local government unit of Mabalacat City, with the Honorable Mayor Crisostomo Garbo, an advocate of health. The City Nutrition Office of Mabalacat City also provided healthy meals for everyone, while Rural Health Unit 3 provided vitamins and supplements for the kids. Pregnant women were also given vitamins and kits, including maternal milk generously provided by Fonterra Philippines Inc., water, and other supplies by JENRA Foundation.

Nancy Dizon from the Stake Self Reliance Committee knew the impact of the pandemic on young children and their development. “COVID-19 pandemic caused many families to be impoverished, and many children were affected. So it was indeed very timely that the Church initiated the Child Nutrition Program and chose Mabalacat as the pilot stake in Central Luzon,” she expressed.

Child Nutrition Program of the Church

The Child Nutrition Program (CNP)  aims to determine the status of the Church's primary children aged 0 to 60 months and develop interventions to bring everyone to a healthy level. The program also aims to educate mothers and expectant mothers on various topics addressing proper nutrition for mothers and children. Through this initiative, local church leaders can collaborate with government agencies and non-government organizations to educate families on the effects of malnutrition and help them implement long-term solutions.