THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the National Nutrition Council (NNC) have forged a partnership to combat malnutrition in nine towns in Zamboanga Sibugay province through “Tutok Kainan” Program.
The two agencies formalized their partnership with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Friday, July 4, at the regional office of DAR in Zamboanga City.
The agreement outlines the collaboration between DAR and NNC under the Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program.
Stipulated in the agreement, DAR will assist in linking qualified Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (Arbos) as suppliers of agricultural products to support NNC’s feeding programs.
The NNC said the program is a key component of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028.
The goal of PPAN is to prevent stunting among children aged Zero to 23 months and improve the health of at-risk pregnant women in the municipalities of Kabasalan, Diplahan, Ipil, Tungawan, Buug, Payao, Titay, Siay, and Imelda in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay.
The partnership aims to create a sustainable market between food production and public health.
“We are grateful for this opportunity to collaborate with NNC,” said Lawyer Ramon Madroñal, Jr., DAR-Zamboanga Peninsula director.
“It not only strengthens our commitment to the agrarian sector but also provides real benefits to our communities, ensuring that the food produced by our ARBOs reaches those who need it most,” he added.
He said the agreement signified more than just a program; it represents a hopeful step toward long-term food security, healthier communities, and empowered Arbos.
The partnership also reflects a shared commitment to the goals of the “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act” and strengthens the collaboration between nutrition programs and livelihood support for farmers in Zamboanga Peninsula.
Madroñal and NNC Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Nimfa Ekong are the main signatories of the agreement.
DAR Assistant Regional Director Agnes Maata, Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer Florinda Depamaylo, and Supervising Agrarian Reform Program Officer Edna Alameda witnessed the signing of the agreement. (SunStar Zamboanga)