This July 2024, communities across the Philippines are celebrating Nutrition Month with the theme “Sama-Sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat.” Various barangays are hosting activities to emphasize the importance of proper nutrition, especially to children.

In Barangay Ambonao, one-year-old Jearl Alisia Cariño has become the poster child for Nutrition Month. 

She was dressed in a unique gown made from mung beans, with the lower part crafted from string beans and moringa pods.

“Suporta lang sa nutrition month, suporta para [ma]paalala na lalong kumain ng gulay,” Jennifer Parayno, Jearl Alisia’s mother, said.

As the youngest of five siblings, Jearl Alisia is already being taught the benefits of vegetables. Her mother ensures that vegetables like malunggay (moringa) and sitaw (string beans) are part of her regular diet.

According to the Barangay Health Center, there are currently 30 children under the age of five being monitored for malnutrition, with three classified as severely malnourished.

“Tinitimbang sila, [tapos] binabalikan sila at binibigyan ng vitamins,” Josefa Sollera, the barangay midwife, said.

Barangay Ambonao hopes to raise awareness and improve the nutritional status of its youngest residents, ensuring they grow up healthy and strong.