Continues health and nutrition assistance to Bangsamoro people will boost one’s life. Fifty mothers from Simuay, Sultan Kudarat received a complimentary food from the Ministry of Science and Technology – BARMM during the 2019 Nutrition Forum conducted at Simuay Junction Central Elementary School, Simuay, Sultan Kudarat. The forum was spearheaded by the Regional Nutrition Committee – BARMM last July 10, 2019. It was attended by some ministers of different ministry in BARMM, other regional line agencies, LGUs, students and visitors.

The program started with a physical exercise led by grade 6 students of the school followed by the opening remarks given by a representative from the local government unit of Sultan Kudarat. On the opening program, speakers emphasized that food safety policy is required to school’s canteen in selling not just nutritious food.

Minister Aida M. Silongan of MOST-BARMM also said that the program of the agency on the production of complementary foods is a part of the malnutrition reduction program of the DOST–FNRI. Every region will be provided with facilities and equipment to produce nutritious complementary food to be used by the LGU, NGO, schools and other stakeholders in helping them solve the malnutrition problem in the locality.

Grand Mufti Udasan of BARMM also gave emphasis on the Islamic perspective on the preparation and selection of food to eat. He cited Quranic verses emphasizing that the consumption of food must be halal/lawful and thoyyiban/safe.

Other agencies also conducted their part on the Nutrition Forum where the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources have distributed seeds and posters on how to prepare nutritious food from indigenous vegetables. On the other hand, MOST-BARMM distributed packs of rice mongo sesame blend, a ready to cook food which is good for a one-week supplementation of children ranging from six months old to two years old.

The 2019 Nutrition Forum is one of the activities of the Regional Celebration of Nutrition Month which was celebrated annually. It is spearheaded by the National Nutrition Council, together with line agencies. The activity aims to provide nutrition advocacy, nutrition-related activities as well as the promotion of nutritious food for the community.

If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have the safest way to health. A quote from the Father of Western Medicine, Hippocrates.