(Photo courtesy of PNA)
BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio City government has extended its Nourish to Flourish (N to F) program until May 2027 to sustain nutritional improvements among children below five years old and ensure their continued access to essential health services.
Lealyn Catiyan, head of the Nutrition and Dietetics Division of the City Health Services Office (CHSO), said the extension will include a gift-giving activity on December 4, followed by regular monitoring and nutritional support for beneficiaries until May next year.
Launched in 2025, the program is an initiative of the Baguio City Nutrition Council, chaired by the CHSO, aimed at improving the health and nutritional status of children aged 0 to 59 months who are identified as nutritionally at risk.
Originally a Christmas gift-giving activity, the program has evolved into a comprehensive nutrition and child welfare initiative that provides food assistance, health services and family support.
Under the program, private individuals and families are encouraged to sponsor children by helping provide their basic nutritional and health needs for six months.
The CHSO conducts regular assessments to monitor the children’s progress and determine whether additional interventions are needed.
Catiyan said the 2026-2027 implementation began with a health and nutrition caravan in October, benefiting 50 nutritionally at-risk children.
The activity provided pediatric consultations through the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, as well as nutrition assessments and counseling conducted by the Nutritionist and Dietitian Association of the Philippines and the Barangay Nutrition Scholar Association.
Other services included family planning consultations, dental care, eye screening, seed distribution and access to affordable agricultural products through the Kadiwa Store on Wheels.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office also distributed food packs, while participating agencies provided referrals for livelihood assistance and other community support programs.
As part of the extension, beneficiaries will receive additional food supplements and free dental services through an adoption program involving members of the Philippine Dental Association.
The CHSO will also replace beneficiaries who have transferred residence outside Baguio City to ensure that assistance continues to reach eligible children.
Children enrolled in the program are identified through Oplan Timbang Plus, a government initiative that monitors their nutritional status and growth.
The program also tracks improvements in beneficiaries’ physical and emotional well-being, as well as school performance where applicable.
With the assistance of barangay health workers and private sponsors, children receive basic food commodities, multivitamins and nutritional supplements to support their development.
Parents and guardians are also provided nutrition education, parenting guidance and referrals to government agencies offering skills training and livelihood opportunities.
The city government said the continued implementation of Nourish to Flourish aims to address childhood malnutrition through sustained monitoring, community participation and coordinated health interventions.
