DAR and NNC Forge Partnership to Support At-Risk Pregnant Women in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the National Nutrition Council (NNC) in the Bicol Region have joined forces to launch a dietary supplementation program to assist nutritionally at-risk pregnant women in the region.

DAR Regional Director Reuben Theodore C. Sindac and NNC Nutrition Program Coordinator Arlene R. Reario signed a memorandum of understanding at the DAR regional office to commence phase six of the “Tutok Kainan” program.

This collaboration targets pregnant women in the provinces of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon, ensuring they receive necessary nutritional support.

“This year, we aim to provide nutritional assistance to 1,138 pregnant women across 15 towns in these provinces,” Sindac announced.

The agreement stipulates that DAR will recommend agrarian reform beneficiaries organization (ARBOs) in nearby areas capable of supplying fresh farm produce. NNC will then purchase these fresh foods directly from the agrarian cooperatives to prepare supplemental meals for pregnant women.

Reario emphasized the significance of DAR's role in the project and expressed optimism for continued collaboration.

“By partnering with DAR, we not only support our ARBOs but also provide essential nutrition to children and pregnant women in need,” Reario stated.

The program underscores the importance of monitoring the nutrition of target beneficiaries during the first 1,000 days to combat low birth weight and stunting.