Provincial Nutrition Office - Batanes

12/04/2026

𝟐𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐁𝐇𝐖 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 & 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲

April 10, 2026 | The Barangay Health Workers (BHW) General Assembly, 23rd Anniversary, Capacity Development Activity, and Medical Mission were successfully conducted with the theme: “Bringing Health Services Closer to the People.”

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Provincial Government of Batanes, especially Governor Hon. Ronald P. Aguto Jr., for the unwavering support and for making this meaningful event possible in Itbayat, Batanes. After 20 years, it is truly an honor to once again hold this gathering an enriching and memorable experience for all BHWs who continue to dedicate themselves to delivering essential health services to their communities with compassion and commitment.

We also sincerely thank the Local Government of Itbayat, led by Mayor Hon. Joseph Cultura, for the unending support, warm accommodation, and for granting us access to facilities and services. Our appreciation also goes to Vice Mayor Jessy Estoy, Hon. Fidencio De Guzman, Hon. Cleo Gonzales, SB Dyan Gutierrez, and the rest of the Sangguniang Bayan for their support.

Our deepest thanks to the Rural Health Unit, headed by Dr. Millicent Nadine Dela Cruz, together with her dedicated staff, for their invaluable assistance in making this activity possible. We are equally grateful to Itbayat District Hospital, led by Dr. Nikita Gato, for warmly accommodating and assisting fellow BHWs throughout their stay.

We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Ms. Eleika Hortiz for sharing her expertise and for discussing the Department of Health priority outcomes, which greatly contributed to the knowledge and capacity development of all participants.

To our fellow BHWs of Itbayat, thank you for your unwavering support, cooperation, and hospitality you truly made everyone feel welcome.

We would like to thank the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Allan Sande, and especially his hardworking staff, whose tireless efforts behind the scenes played a vital role in the success of this entire event. Your dedication, commitment, and silent contributions did not go unnoticed and are deeply appreciated.

Special thanks to Father Benigno Etulle for presiding over the Holy Mass, bringing spiritual guidance to this significant event.

We are also grateful to all the mayors of the different municipalities for allowing their BHWs to participate and for their financial support. To the midwives and barangay health committee members who joined us, your presence added meaning and strength to this gathering.

To everyone who contributed those who prepared the meals and snacks, arranged the decorations, and supported behind the scenes thank you for your hard work and dedication.

And to all BHWs who took part in this activity, traveling far from home and enduring long and challenging journeys just to be present your sacrifice and commitment are truly admirable.

Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat for making this event successful, meaningful, and truly unforgettable.

📝 /mjc

09/04/2026

31/03/2026

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐛-𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞: 𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐲𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧, 𝐀𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐚𝐧!

Strengthening the Link Between Nutrition and Environmental Protection, with a focus on Climate Action

Every year, the Philippines celebrates Nutrition Month (NM) to promote greater awareness and collective action toward improving the nutritional status of Filipinos, mandated by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 491 of 1974 or the Nutrition Act of the Philippines. Since 2024, the NM campaign has been guided by the overarching theme, “Sa PPAN, Sama-Sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat,” with a selected sub-theme under this broader call to highlight the key pillars of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN).

The NNC Technical Committee, consisting of various bureaus, offices, and organizations, has approved“𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘆𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗻, 𝗔𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗮𝗻!" as this year’s sub-theme. This focus builds on PPAN 2023–2028 programs that promote sustainable and nutrition-sensitive food systems. It highlights the vital connection between nutrition and the environment, emphasizing that protection of natural resources is essential to ensuring sustainable food systems, food security, and good nutrition for present and future generations.

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, largely driven by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and unsustainable land use. These changes alter the natural environment by increasing global temperatures, disrupting ecosystems, raising sea levels, and intensifying the frequency and severity of extreme weather events (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2021). Nutrition and climate change are closely interconnected. Climate change directly affects food systems by influencing agricultural productivity, fisheries, and food supply chains. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and typhoons can disrupt food production and reduce the availability of nutritious foods (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], 2015). In countries like the Philippines, where many communities rely heavily on agriculture and marine resources for their livelihoods and daily food consumption, these climate-related disruptions can significantly affect access to diverse and healthy diets.

When food production becomes unstable, communities may experience limited access to nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and fish. This situation can increase the risk of malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations including children, pregnant women, and low-income households (World Vision International, 2024). Climate change can also affect the nutritional quality of food by altering crop yields and nutrient composition, further challenging efforts to ensure adequate nutrition for all.

At the same time, food systems contribute to climate change. The way food is produced, processed, transported, and consumed generates a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that food systems account for approximately 30 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the need to promote sustainable diets and environmentally responsible food production practices (UN-Nutrition, 2021). Unsustainable agricultural practices, excessive food waste, and high consumption of resource-intensive foods place pressure on land, water, and biodiversity, ultimately affecting the environment that supports food production.

Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that integrates nutrition goals with environmental sustainability. Transforming food systems to become more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive is essential in addressing malnutrition while also mitigating climate change (World Health Organization, 2023). Climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable fisheries, diversified crop production, and the promotion of locally produced and seasonal foods are key strategies that can help ensure stable food supply while protecting natural resources.

Scientific and development organizations also emphasize the importance of investing in climate-resilient and nutrient-dense crops that can adapt to changing environmental conditions while supporting healthy diets (FAO & International Atomic Energy Agency, 2024). These innovations, together with improved agricultural practices and responsible consumption patterns, can help strengthen food systems and promote better nutrition outcomes.

In the Philippines, the National Nutrition Council plays a crucial role in advancing policies and programs that promote proper nutrition across the life cycle. Through coordinated nutrition interventions and multi-sectoral collaboration, the Council supports initiatives that ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sustainable food while responding to emerging challenges such as climate change.

The theme “𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘆𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗻, 𝗔𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗮𝗻!” serves as a call to action for government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, the private sector, and communities to work together in protecting both human health and the environment. Safeguarding forests, oceans, agricultural lands, and water resources helps secure our food sources and ensures that future generations will continue to have access to nutritious and sustainable diets.

As we celebrate Nutrition Month 2026, let us recognize that the health of people and the health of the planet are inseparable. By adopting sustainable food practices, reducing food waste, supporting local and climate-resilient food production, and strengthening nutrition programs, we can build resilient food systems and ensure better nutrition for all Filipinos—while caring for the environment that sustains us.





References:
[1] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2015). Climate change, food security and nutrition. FAO.https://www.fao.org/3/i5188e/i5188e.pdf

[2] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, & International Atomic Energy Agency. (2024). Enhancing agrifood systems through climate-resilient and nutrition-dense crops. https://www.fao.org/publications/card/en/c/cc3734en

[3] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Climate change 2021: The physical science basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009157896

[4] UN-Nutrition. (2021). Positioning nutrition as integral to the climate change agenda. https://www.unnutrition.org/publications/positioning-nutrition-climate-change

[5] World Health Organization. (2023). Transforming food systems for healthy diets. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240076385

[6] World Vision International. (2024). Climate change is increasing hunger and malnutrition. https://www.worldvision.org/our-work/climate-change-hunger-malnutrition

16/02/2026

14/01/2026

𝗢𝗣𝗧 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝘀 𝗧𝗦𝗘𝗞: 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲

The first quarter of the year is one of the busiest times for the health and nutrition volunteers especially the Barangay Nutrition Scholars for the conduct of Operation 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘨 (OPT) Plus.

OPT Plus is the regular growth assessment for children aged 0-59 months old (0-5 years old), done by a trained OPT Plus team. It involves planning, follow-up, and data quality check activities. This is conducted to generate data on nutritional status of children, and identify and locate the malnourished children for referral to relevant nutrition and nutrition-related services. Specifically, OPT Plus provides parents with information on the nutritional status of their child to prevent malnutrition and guide them on the growth and development of their child.

Among the indicators quantified during OPT Plus is the weight-for-age and weight-for-length/height. Weight gain is an indicator of growth while weight loss or no change in weight are indicators of poor growth.

Taking weight includes the recommended measurement tools, knowledge and skills to ensure accuracy.

The mechanical hanging weighing scale is commonly used during the OPT Plus for it is designed to be used for children less than five (5) years old. The hanging weighing scale can weigh up to 25 kg and is graduated by 0.1 kg (100g) increments.

Prior to weighing of children, a few reminders must be observed:

1. Hooks are complete and in good condition. Needle or pointer is moving freely. The scale has no broken parts.
2. Adjustment screw is working and weighing pants are clean and without tear.
3. Rope is strong, long enough, and tied well.
4. Nutrition workers should make sure that the weighing scale is within tolerable limits of accuracy and detect equipment deterioration beyond the tolerable levels of accuracy.
5. Weighing scale must be calibrated (within the past 3 years) and verified (within 1 year) with signed sticker to obtain accurate, reliable and consistent measurements.
6. Conduct orientation to OPT Plus team regarding the guidelines on the conduct of OPT Plus.
7. Masterlisting and spot mapping of 0-59 months old children.

In weighing the young children, the procedures in proper weighing should be noted:

1. Hang the weighing scale from a stable and sturdy tree branch, ceiling beam or a pole. Ensure ropes used for hanging the scale were sturdy.
2. Check if the weighing scale face or dial is at eye level of the measurer, not lower nor higher.
3. Attach empty weighing pants to the hook of the weighing scale, adjust the scale to zero (0), and then remove from the scale.
4. Child must also be in minimum clothing, has empty pockets, and is barefoot. In case the child is wearing a diaper that is full and soiled, measurer can ask the caregiver to change it first prior measurement. Ask mother or someone to hold the child.
5. Put the measurer’s hands through leg holes. Gently pull legs through the leg holes making sure that the strap is in front of the child.
6. Put one hand around the child and attached the strap of the weighing pants to the hook of the scale using the other hand and allow the child to hang freely. Ensure that strap is securely attached to the hook before carefully letting go of the child.
7. Check the child’s position. Make sure the child is not touching anything and the child’s feet were not touching the ground.
8. Hold the face/dial of the weighing scale and read the child’s weight at eye level to the nearest 0.1 kg. The measurer should read aloud the child’s weight, and the assistant should record it in the corresponding OPT Plus form.
9. Put arms around the child and gently lift the child by the body. Remove the strap from the weighing scale. Give the child to mother or caregiver and remove the weighing pants.
10. Measure the child twice and if the replicate measurement had a difference greater than or equal to 0.3 kg, a third weight measurement should be obtained. Use the average of the two closest measurements.

Take note that weighing scales to be used must be tared before the beginning of the weighing activity and every after weighing of 10 children to maintain its accuracy. Before taking the weight measurement of the child, always explain the reason for getting the child’s weight to the parent or caregiver.

Accurate measurement gives better idea on the actual situation of nutrition in the community and the rest of the city/municipality, which is the main basis also for planning and programming of nutrition interventions. Minding the correct steps of measuring a child’s weight is important to generate accurate measurement.

A big salute to all nutrition workers for their dedication in delivering nutrition service and following the new guidelines and protocol in the conduct of OPT Plus, achieving 𝘛𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘶𝘬𝘢𝘵, 𝘌𝘬𝘴𝘢𝘬𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘒𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘥 (𝘛𝘚𝘌𝘒)! (Nutrition Officer II Keishe Jan T. Aban/ [email protected] / 0963-109-0198)

References:

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and National Nutrition Council of the Department of Health. (2017). Electronic operation timbang plus tool user’s guide. Retrieved fromhttp://www.fao.org/3/i6847en/I6847EN.pdf

Inter-agency Technical Working Group on Child Growth Standards. (12 January 2012). Implementing guidelines on operation timbang plus (OPT +). Retrieved fromhttps://www.nnc.gov.ph/phocadownloadpap/userupload/elavapie/OPT%20Plus%20Guidelines.pdf

National Nutrition Council and University of the Philippines Los Baños. 2013. Trainer’s Manual on Basic Course for Barangay Nutrition Scholars. Manila, Philippines.

National Nutrition Council, University of the Philippines Los Baños, and UNICEF. 2023. Operation Timbang Plus Manual of Operations and Data Quality Check Protocol. Manila, Philippines.

14/01/2026

13/01/2026

12/01/2026

Garantisadong Pambata - nagbibigay ng libreng serbisyong pangkalusugan, bakuna, bitamina, deworming, at tamang gabay sa nutrisyon upang siguraduhing ligtas at malusog ang paglaki ng mga bata.

San Antonio, Basco Batanes

23/12/2025

The 4th Provincial Nutrition Committee Meeting was successfully conducted at the Provincial Governor’s Office, chaired by the Chairperson of the Provincial Nutrition Committee (PNC) Governor Ronald P. Aguto Jr. marking the committee’s final meeting for the year.
Key updates were discussed, including the formation of a new group of MELLPI municipal evaluators, along with other pertinent matters on program implementation, monitoring, and resource utilization to further strengthen coordination and the delivery of local nutrition programs across the province.

12/12/2025

12/12/2025

The Barangay Health Workers (BHW) General Assembly held on December 5 at the Basco Gymnasium was successfully conducted.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Provincial Governor Ronald P. Aguto Jr., the Municipal Mayors, and our beloved Congressman who shared a Video Message for the BHWs. We also acknowledge the presence of midwives, barangay officials, and RHU staff who took time to join us.

We are deeply thankful to our Governor, who even held his flight for a moment just to be with our BHWs. He took the time to listen to their issues, concerns, and needs before proceeding with his scheduled trip to Itbayat. His gesture shows his genuine support and commitment to the welfare of our BHW community.

It was a long day for our BHWs, yet it was very informative and meaningful.

We would also like to sincerely thank our guest speaker, Dr. Maribel Jane G. Hortellano; the Mayor of Mahatao, Hon. Jerry Agana; the SB on Health, Hon. Franklin Redondo; Ma’am Lynette Calagui, DMO IV; and Dr. Ma. Jeniffer V. Robillos for gracing the event with their presence.

We likewise recognize Hon. Ofelia Amboy, who willingly and wholeheartedly served as our emcee and guided the flow of the program with grace.

We also extend our deepest appreciation to our BHW President, Ma’am Jayne A. Calucag, for her active, committed, and dedicated service to the BHW community.

official 📸 sir Opal E. Bala