THE City Government of Isabela, Basilan province, through the City Nutrition Office, launched the 120-Day Supplemental Feeding Program on Monday, July 7, targeting undernourished children aged six to 59 months.
Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman led the ceremonial first day of feeding, underscoring the deep commitment of her administration to inclusive nutrition and grassroots health programs.
Hataman highlighted the City’s continued investment in nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific programs to ensure that every Isabeleño child has a strong and healthy start in life.
The launching was held in Carbon village, Malamawi Island, Isabela City. A total of 40 mothers and 40 children participated in the launch.
Isabela City Nutrition Action Officer Jesielyn Puno provided the overview and rationale of the feeding program, explaining its goals, mechanics, and expected outcomes over the four-month implementation period.
Puno emphasized the importance of consistent and nutrient-rich meals in addressing developmental gaps among young children.
The program forms part of Isabela City’s broader campaign to combat child malnutrition and promote early childhood development through sustained nutrition interventions.
Anna Sahibil, Community Affairs Officer of the City General Services Office, introduced the mothers to Project Zero, a complementary livelihood and environmental sustainability initiative following the orientation about the supplemental feeding program.
Sahibil said the project includes the proposed construction of a floating garden in Carbon village, where participants will undergo a series of training sessions to build skills in urban gardening, composting, and food sustainability.
During the launch of the program, Puno led the distribution of coloring books and educational materials to the young beneficiaries, supporting their holistic growth beyond nutrition. (SunStar Zamboanga)