SAN SIMON - Mayor Abundio “Jun” Punsalan Jr. here is advocating for a healthy and affordable diet especially for children.
Punsalan shared his advocacy during the celebration of Nutrition Month held Saturday in Sto. Niño Elementary School here.
Punsalan said a healthy diet does not automatically mean expensive.
He said fruits and vegetables can be grown at home backyards.
“Ang unang ingredient ng malusog na pagkain ay prutas at gulay at tayo mismo pwedeng magtanim sa mga bahay natin kaya hindi na nga mura e, libre natin itong makukuha sa sariling bakuran natin,” he said.
He said the local government provides seedlings to individuals who want to grow their own vegetables.
He also urged parents to avail of free supplemental vitamins supply from the rural health unit.
Janice Punsalan, a registered nurse and the event’s guest speaker, reminded parents to monitor their children’s eating habits.
“Kailangan i-monitor ‘yung pagkain ng mga bata, kung malakas ba o walang gana kasi pwedeng maging symptom ‘yon ng malnutrition. I-check din ang pananakit ng tiyan o kaya ‘yung palagiang pagkakaroon ng singaw sa bibig kasi indication din ang mga ‘yan,” she said.
At least 120 children were served with chicken and egg porridge.
They were also given free vegetables and vitamins to supplement their food at home.