So. Leyte Village Produces ‘Nutripak’ to Fight Malnutrition

Barangay Sta Cruz, one of the 30 barangays of Macrohon is working its way out in the fight against malnutrition by producing the healthy nutripak – a mixed grind of rice, mongo, and sesame seeds.

According to Sta. Cruz Punong Barangay Dexter O. Pelegro during the monitoring of nutrition program at Macrohon last May 21 conducted by the Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team led by the National Nutrition Council (NNC)-8, the said food mixture surely added weight to their children as these were included among its food-snacks.

Pelegro said the food is produced by a women’s group from the locality and the group has been profiting since the nutripak is very affordable and tastes good for the children.

“Each 10- gram pack is sold at P10.00 and is selling like hotcakes,” Pelegro said.

The women’s group produces at least 476 packs of nutripak every week as they supplied the feeding program of Macrohon town in close coordination by the rural health unit focusing on the children with ages 0- 59 years old.

Also, a 24 sq. meter-nutripak building worth P400,000.00 has been constructed annexed to the barangay hall to house its food production area as the group earlier  rented a space at the barangay hall for its production place.

While another P150,000.00  fund was  released for the acquisition of a multicab for their mobility thru the financial assistance of KALAHI-CIDSS program, Pelegro added.

Meanwhile, Barangay Sta Cruz also operates with an income generating Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), an important criteria in the nutrition evaluation since it enhances a good and healthy environment for the children.

He reported that proceeds from the sale of segregated metals cans and plastic bottles from a local junk shop, the barangay council will buy rice and distributed it to the less fortunate community members during Christmas season. (JNPD/ESG/PIA8 SoLeyte)