ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan - Mayor Hernani A. Braganza distributed Tuesday new (Delecto) weighing scales to select communities as part of the comprehensive nutrition program of the city for pre and grade schoolers.

Along with Dr. Marivic O. Carambas, city health officer, the mayor turned over said medical equipment to chief executives of barangay Quibuar, Magsaysay, Baleyadaan, Macatiw, San Vicente, Cayucay, Bued, Pandan, Balangobong, Mona, Lucap, Dulacac, Telbang, Pangapisan, Tangcarang, Inerangan, Tawin-Tawin, Maawi and Cabatuan.

Dr. Carambas said the procurement of said apparatus is in line with Braganza administration’s efforts in upgrading the equipment of health units in the city.

She added that by using this more accurate equipment coupled with correct treatment and management, her office could now easily monitor the recovery rates and weight gains of those malnourished children.

Under the city government’s health and nutrition program, addressing malnutrition and enhancement of basic health services to the communities are among the top priorities.

Mayor Hernani A. Braganza, during the turnover and simple dialogue with barangay officials and health workers disclosed that there’s still a high prevalence of malnutrition in children.

This prompted his office to implement a massive supplemental feeding program in all public elementary schools and daycare centers in the city and review its nutrition program.

Braganza said another advocacy he is currently pursuing is the establishment of gardens inside the school premises.

He already had encouraged parents in growing high valued vegetables withintheir backyard for their daily family consumption, while enhancing the nutritional quality of food being served to their children and at the same time gaining additional income out of it.

“This is part of our long-term program to lessen if not totally eradicate this alarming public health problem in our city while providing the Alaminian families another alternative to have an extra income without leaving their homes,” he added.

“Malnutrition is a serious problem but it can easily be addressed if we extend our fair share and conscientiously do our jobs as responsible citizens, as parents and as one family minding on the welfare of our children.”

Based on CHO’s evaluation last year, it was revealed that all barangays in the city are in need of new and more precise weighing scales to meet the needs of the populace and to replace the old equipments used by barangay health workers. (CIO)