BAGUIO CITY—The National Nutrition Council-Cordillera Regional Office (NNC-CAR) recognized members of six barangay senior citizens (SCs) groups in Baguio City.
The SCs, in their own initiative, contributed to the food security of their barangays through their vegetable gardens. The SCs from Barangays Santo Tomas Central, Middle Quezon Hill, Andres Bonifacio, Ambiong, Lopez Jaena and San Antonio Village were honored in the culminating program observing the National Nutrition Month on July 29.
The SCs, given very limited spaces in their respective barangays, were able to attend to their gardens in pots, in wooden plots on their rooftops, hanging plots and converted flower gardens.
The vegetable gardens are cared for by the SCs using recycled materials and organic fertilizers.
The garden produce—medicinal herbs and vegetable—are prepared in the barangay daycare centers for supplemental feeding.
Vegetable seeds and seedlings are donations from the residents themselves.
The SC Vegetable Garden Program was a result of the Senior Citizen for a Day approved resolution in 2014. Fourteen barangay SC groups joined the 2016 search.
Expected to grace the culminating activity are Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Rita Papey, Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Department of Health-Cordillera Regional Office Director Lakshmi Legaspi.
The observation of the National Nutrition Month 2016 carries the theme, “First 1,000 Days ni Baby, Pahalagahan para sa Malusog na Kinabukasan.”
Other highlights of the program include honors for best implemented barangay nutrition program, outstanding barangay nutrition scholar, best performing barangay nutrition action officer and service awardees.