Bontoc, Mountain Province – In a move to enhance health and nutrition as well as to provide livelihood opportunities among its constituents, the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU) through the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMAg) and Municipal Health Office (MHO) distributed free-range chicks to 70 families in this capital town on August 8, 2023, at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol.
According to Agricultural Technologist Sheryll Tumingeb of the OMAg, a total of 700 heads of free-range chicks were distributed to the 70 beneficiaries, including 33 recipients from various organizations who have submitted requests for the provision of such assistance and 37 parents of malnourished children identified by the MHO.
Municipal Administrator Eric Fulangen, Sr., who represented Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., emphasized the significance of this initiative as part of the LGU’s broader intervention plan to enhance the health and nutrition and to encourage livestock rearing as a means of income generation for the residents.
Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Venous Faith Cofulan of the MHO mentioned that the beneficiaries were the parents or guardians of malnourished children aged 0 to 59 months who had undergone the Operation Timbang Plus (OPT+).
Cofulan added that in addition to the 10 free-range chicks, the 37 parents of malnourished children were given 5 kilograms of feed each.
Municipal Agriculturist Renato Falag-ey highlighted the long-term benefits of embracing organic food production through methods such as free-range chicken egg production and backyard gardening. Falag-ey stressed that such practices are not only cost-efficient but also contribute to the overall health and well-being of the community.
The provision of free-range chicks and feeds aligns with the broader strategy of the Bontoc LGU to create a resilient and food-secure community by empowering families to engage in backyard farming and gardening. ** Christy Mae Che-es – Pangesfan, Bontoc LGU
