By Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol, Jr.

CPU CAS conducted health and nutrition outreach activity with pupils of Macatol Elementary School in Brgy. Iwa- Macatol, Pototan.

According to United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), ninety-five (95) Filipino children die every day in the country because of malnutrition. In the same manner, out of one thousand (1000) children, twenty-seven (27) of them never reach their fifth year. Millions of children in the country are stunted in their age. The development in two years can be permanent, irreversible and fatal to them.

This realization made the Department of Life Sciences of the University active in orchestrating various measures to mitigate the effects of malnutrition in the country. Fruit-tree growing activities, feeding activities, distributions of vegetable seedlings and helping some communities to develop their communal vegetable garden among others. These activities ensure possibilities of food and nutrition in the region.

On Wednesday, May 10, 2023, the Department of Life Sciences of the University and Junior Chamber International (JCI) Iloilo distributed nutritious chocolate milk powder to the communities in the city and province of Iloilo. Aside from the distribution of the chocolate milk, selected faculty members of the department provided basic nutrition, sanitation and hygiene literacy to the elementary school and indigenous people (IP) community.

One thousand one hundred twenty (1,120) children received the nutritious chocolate milk drink. Among the recipients are: Brgy. Don Esteban, Lapuz, Brgy. San Nicolas, Lapaz, the Ati Community in Brgy. Lanit, Iloilo City and pupils of the Iwa-Macatol Elementary School in Brgy. Iwa- Macatol, Pototan, Iloilo.