A real cause for concern is that the prevalence of acute or severe cases of malnutrition for children 0 to 5 years old has increased from 5.3% in 2003 to 6.1% in 2008!

The FNRI survey also revealed that regions that have the highest prevalence of malnutrition among 0-5 year-old children are: (1) Bicol 33.8% (2) Zamboanga Peninsula 33.2% and (3) MIMAROPA 33.1%. For 6-10 years old, (1) Bicol 34% (2) MIMAROPA 33% and (3) Western Visayas 32.2%. The Cordillera Autonomous Region with the lowest prevalence rate of malnutrition in both age group still has a very alarming magnitude with 19.9% and 14.5% for ages 0-5 and 6-10 years old respectively.

Acccording to World Health Organization, a malnutrition prevalence of 5% is considered of public health significance.  The prevalence rates of malnutrition in the country translates to about 8 million Filipino children whose future and our country’s future are at stake. This alarming situation calls for a multisectoral and multi-pronged action to the problem seriously.

To help mitigate this problem, the Pondo ng Pinoy Community Foundation, headed by Archbishop Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales and 13 other bishops launched the HAPAG-ASA Integrated Nutrition Program in July 2005 in partnership with Assisi Development Foundation and Feed the Children Philippines.

• Develop the culture of SHARING & LOVING to our neighbors as demonstrated in the Miracle of the Multiplication of loaves & fish (Mt. 14:13-21) to children, their families and communities
• Reduce malnutrition prevalence rate among 0 to 12 years old children
• Improve capacity of parents to care and provide for basic needs of their children

1. Supplemental Feeding
Provision of one meal per day five days a week for 6 months with Vitameal-enriched foods to malnourished children ages 6months to 12 years old and to underweight pregnant and lactating women.

Priority is given to malnourished children 6 years old and below to address critical years of brain development. The daily foods are either served as a complete meal (rice and viand) or heavy snacks such as Champorado in designated feeding sites.

2. Education Classes
Education classes for parents are conducted simultaneously for 6 months covering topics on (a) Affective Parenting (b) Health and Nutrition (c) Responsible Parenthood and Values; and (d) Livelihood.

Suggested length of each session is either one hour daily or half day once a week.

3. Livelihood and Skills Training
Skills training are conducted and livelihood and employment opportunities are provided in partnership with government and non-government organizations to help the parents help themselves and their children.

The parents who have finished the six months education classes are eligible for capital assistance.

HAPAG-ASA Integrated Nutrition Program Status per Year

Table 1. 2005-2006 Accomplishment

Table 2. 2007  Accomplishment

Table 3. 2008 Accomplishment

 Table 4. 2009 Program Status As of March 10, 2010

Table 5. 2010 Program Status As of March 10, 2010