Recently, Sarangani was recognized by the National Nutrition Council Region XII for its excellent performance in the nutrition program and was awarded Excellence in Operation Timbang (OPT) coverage on December 9 at The Farm Carpenter Hill in Koronadal, South Cotabato.

Sarangani acquired a total OPT coverage of 94.6%, which according to Jabines, “is beyond po sa minimum na target which is at least 80% coverage.”

Jabines said the high coverage rate in OPT indicates that the province “talagang ina-assess kung gaano ba kadami or ilan ba yung ating mga malnourished na bata which is very vital lalo na sa pagbibigay natin ng prioritization and equal interventions doon sa mga na-identify na mga bata.”

Also, the province received the White Heron Award which is conferred to Local Government Units (LGUs) who “contributed to the highest percent change reduction in the prevalence of stunting and wasting among children aged 0–59 months through the efficient and effective implementation of the nutrition program.”

Jabines said the awards received prove that the nutrition program in Sarangani “isa po siyang programa na tinutukan talaga ng probinsya at saka ng ating mga munisipyo kahit na may Covid-19 pandemic tayong hinaharap.”

Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, on the other hand, also thanked the BNS, BHWs, and other health workers who took risks in going to different sitios or in the grassroots communities in order to deliver health and nutrition services to the people.

Jabines said the support of the local leaders “sa pagbibigay po ng augmentations para ma-mobilize yung ating mga BNS and BHWs,” and the support of the partners in addressing malnutrition, are among the province’s success indicators.

“Food security, we’re looking into it talaga. We will go for continuous nutrition interventions so there is food always in the home,” Jabines said. (Jori Mae R. Samillano/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)