Local Government Units (LGUs) truly demonstrate empathy for their communities by implementing appropriate programs for health, livelihood, and environment.
Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat of Mati City, Davao Oriental, proudly shared their program, Maternal Mental Nutritional Recovery Family Care-avan, which addresses hunger and malnutrition in their community.
"This initiative began in June 2022, right after our pandemic recovery phase. It is a response to the pandemic and a resiliency initiative of the city, anticipating the effects of COVID-19," Nakpil explained during DZRH’s DILG Breaktime on Wednesday.
"Climate change and global conflicts also impact vulnerable sectors, including senior citizens, malnourished children, and persons with disabilities. These groups are often the first to suffer from hunger, and they need to be cared for, which is why we initiated this program," she noted.
While Nakpil views food as a crucial factor during difficult times, she also prioritizes the mental health of her constituents by establishing a mental health facility in 2019.
"Since Mati is quite far from the major city of Davao, we need to be resilient," she said.
"We began implementing agriculture and health programs, especially for mental health. Bringing a patient who needs help from a distant location is costly, so I developed a solution that could accommodate and cater to the community," the mayor added.
As a result of the Maternal Mental Nutritional Recovery Family Care-avan, Nakpil reported a decrease in malnutrition cases, according to data from their health board.
A "circular economy" approach has been adopted, reviving community farming to produce food for the children, including the production of carabao milk.
"We now produce carabao milk, which is processed into milk bars and fed to our malnourished children. It is provided for three months, and if needed, the support is extended for another three months," she explained.
Notably, the carabao milk from Mati City has become a supplier for the Department of Education.
"If all agencies work together and pool our resources, we will achieve the goal set by our president to eliminate hunger among Filipinos by 2027," the Mayor concluded.
Meanwhile, Barangay Captain Reynante Bautista shared his project called "Gulayan sa Bawat Bakuran."
The project, which started in 2014, has been recognized by the Walang Gutom Awards from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Bautista explained that they began by planting fruits and vegetables in their Barangay hall. Noticing the benefits, they planned to encourage residents to plant in their own yards.
"As time passed, I issued an Executive Order requiring planting, though compliance was initially slow," the Barangay Captain said.
"I told them that even if something seems impossible, once we achieve it, it becomes possible," he stressed.
To ensure compliance, Bautista said that in order for residents to receive a purok clearance, they must have a communal garden, attend regular barangay meetings once a month, participate in Araw ng Kalinisan every Saturday, and follow proper waste disposal practices.
"Implementing 'Gulayan sa Bakuran' has positively affected solid waste management because people clean up and segregate waste," he noted.
"Previously, dengue cases were high, but after implementing the program, we have achieved zero cases," he added.
Bautista said he was surprised that his project was recognized by the national government.
The project has led to an 88% decrease in malnutrition in their community.
