Strengthening Nutrition at the Grassroots: Global Delegates Visit Sorsogon to Observe Transforming Lives Through Nutrition Program

On August 14-15, 2025, international and local leaders gathered in the municipalities of Juban and Gubat in Sorsogon to witness the implementation of the Transforming Lives Through Nutrition (TLTN) program. The visits were part of a broader initiative led by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in partnership with local government units and humanitarian organizations, to assess progress, share best practices, and reinforce community-based nutrition efforts.

Empowering Communities in Juban

In Juban, the delegation included representatives from Church Headquarters, Welfare and Self-Reliance Services (WSR), Helen Keller International (HKI) Philippines, Holistic Opportunities for Positive Engagement in Maternal and Child Health (HOPE-MCH) Ghana, Policy and Science for Health, Agriculture and Nutrition (POSHAN) Nepal, and Save the Children UK. They were welcomed by Barangay Captains Hon. Noel B. Deri (Buraburan) and Hon. Omar B. Clemente (Bacolod).

The visit began at the Buraburan Child Development Center (CDC) Garden, where guests interacted with health workers, parents, and children benefiting from the program. The garden showcased climate-smart, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, with crops supporting local food security. Delegates also visited the Barangay Bacolod Health Center, observing a Mother-to-Mother (M2M) support group session and touring a vegetable garden behind the facility.

A highlight was the visit to a local household practicing sustainable nutrition through fishpond and vegetable gardening. Hon. Deri praised the program’s impact, noting that over 70 households have become more self-reliant thanks to training and seedling support. “I hope this Transforming Lives Through Nutrition program continues even after my term in office is over,” the barangay chairman remarked.

International delegates shared insights, with Swadesh Gurung commending the strong community-government partnership, and Francis Gumah suggesting the inclusion of father-focused support groups to further enhance child development outcomes.

Scaling Nutrition Efforts in Gubat

In Gubat, municipal leaders including Mayor Ronnel Lim and Vice Mayor Anthony Callos met with Church representatives and stakeholders from HKI, HOPE-MCH, and POSHAN. Nutrition officers Rowena Fajardo and Grace Jardin presented the municipality’s journey in adopting and scaling the TLTN program.

Following endorsement by the National Nutrition Council (NNC), Gubat signed a memorandum of agreement to implement TLTN across all barangays. Key interventions include: Micronutrient supplementation for pregnant women, M2M support sessions, and a local ordinance on Barangay First 1,000 Days (BF1KD).

Since its launch, 258 pregnant women have received supplements, and 112 trained personnel now facilitate M2M sessions in 42 barangays. Rowena Fajardo emphasized that sustainability hinges on community ownership, policy support, and local systems.

During the discussion, partners praised Gubat’s alignment from national to barangay levels. Dana Smith of POSHAN asked about barriers to progress, and the Municipal Nutrition Committee cited budget constraints but expressed optimism due to the Local Nutrition Action Plan. Robert Hokanson from Church Headquarters asked about achieving such coordination, to which Grace Jardin credited strong LGU support.

The visit concluded with a M2M session in Balud Del Sur Health Station, where mothers engaged in interactive learning activities. First-time mom Lyka Marie Jarabejo shared, “I didn’t know most of it since it’s my first time, but I learned how to do it here.”

A Shared Vision for Healthier Communities

The visits to Juban and Gubat reaffirmed the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration, community empowerment, and sustained support for maternal and child nutrition. Through the TLTN program, local leaders and global partners continue to transform lives—one family, one barangay at a time.