More than 200 malnourished students in Mangaldan Central School are now receiving healthy snacks and vitamins as part of a 120-day feeding program to fight child malnutrition.

“Identified natin sila [as malnourished] based doon sa record natin,” Principal Dr. Liza Lojo said.

The program provides nutritious snacks like nutribun, high-protein biscuits, and fruit juices to improve the children's strength and overall health.

“Nakakatulong ito siyempre maging malakas ang mga anak namin,” Jona Lupango, a parent of one of the student-beneficiaries, said.

The Department of Health (DOH) in Region 1 is actively monitoring the health of the students. Their support includes vitamin supplements, vaccinations, and regular nutritional assessments.

“Ang kulang sa bitamina at mineral na bata ay mai-consider din na malnourished. ‘Yan ang tinatawag natin na hidden hunger, kasi kapag nagtuloy-tuloy ‘yan, maaring mag-develop ng anemia, maka-develop ng panlalabo ng mata kapag sila’y hindi naagapan,” Leny Calaguas, DOH Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, said.

The program is a joint effort between CHD-Region 1, the National Nutrition Council, and DepEd Region 1.

It will continue over the next four months in hopes of improving not just the health but also the academic performance of the learners.