Strengthening Nutrition in Palawan: Multi-Site Field Visits Showcase Community-Led Progress

From August 14 to 15, 2025, three strategic field visits were conducted across El Nido and Aborlan municipalities in Palawan as part of the Child Well-Being Convening Workshop organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These visits brought together humanitarian partners, local government officials, and health workers to observe and assess the implementation of the Transforming Lives Through Nutrition (TLTN) initiative and the Barangay First 1,000 Days (BF1KD) strategy.

Site 1: Barangay Health Center, Sitio Bubolongan, Barangay Corong-Corong, El Nido

The visit to El Nido focused on observing a Mother-to-Mother (M2M) support group session, where pregnant and lactating women gathered to share experiences and receive guidance on nutrition and child care. Guests conducted a courtesy call with Municipal Mayor Hon. Edna Lim, reinforcing the importance of local government support in scaling nutrition interventions. “We are grateful to Vitamin Angels and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for supporting our municipality’s efforts as we the prioritize the health of mothers and children,” remarked Mayor Lim.

The team also interacted with barangay health workers and community leaders to understand the challenges and successes of implementing BF1KD in geographically isolated areas.

Site 2: Barangay Ramon Magsaysay Hall, Aborlan

Vice Mayor Hon. Marvin Madeja, warmly welcomed the delegates at the municipal hall of Aborlan together other municipal health personnel. The two groups visiting Aborlan were briefed about the efforts of the local government in making sure that health initiatives for mothers and children reach all of their 19 barangays, including the enactment of supportive ordinances and resolutions.

One group went to Barangay Magsaysay, where the delegation observed the distribution of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) to pregnant women and Vitamin A plus Deworming (VAS+D) for children aged 6–59 months. A vibrant M2M support group session showcased how peer-led education is empowering mothers with practical nutrition knowledge.

Site 3: Bahai Arugaan ni Maria, Maasin, Aborlan

The third group visited Bahai Arugaan ni Maria, a community-based care facility and NGO partner site. Guests toured the facility and observed nutrition counseling sessions, MMS distribution, and support group activities facilitated by trained staff. The team met with Head of Facility Maria Teresa Maniego and municipal health officials to discuss sustainability planning and the role of NGO partners in reaching vulnerable populations.

The visit highlighted the importance of integrating BF1KD strategies into both public and private sector service delivery. Helen Keller International Program Director Philomena Orji from Nigeria expressed fascination at the services offered by the natural birthing facility. “It’s amazing to learn these strategies that we can bring to the other countries served by HKI,” she added.

Background

Palawan continues to face elevated rates of child stunting (29.2%), underweight (13.8%), and wasting (6.9%). While maternal health service coverage is high, anemia among pregnant women (21.4%) and suboptimal breastfeeding practices remain concerns. The BF1KD Initiative, launched in August 2024, targets six barangays and one NGO partner site in Aborlan, and five barangays in El Nido, delivering:

Micronutrient Supplementation: MMS for pregnant women and VAS+D for children

• Mother-to-Mother Support Groups
• Policy Support: Local ordinances institutionalizing BF1KD
• These interventions aim to improve maternal and child nutrition outcomes during the critical first 1,000 days of life.
• Objectives of the Field Visits
• Observe BF1KD and TLTN interventions in action
• Engage with local leaders, health workers, and mothers
• Assess policy integration and enabling environments
• Document best practices and challenges for program improvement

These visits underscore the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration, community engagement, and local governance in transforming lives through nutrition.