As the Nutrition Action Officer of our municipality, I lead the local government's efforts to combat malnutrition and diet-related diseases. In the heart of our daily work lies a commitment to transform national nutrition guidelines into tangible results at the grassroots level. It's not just about policy it's about action, teamwork, and community empowerment.
I serve a municipality comprising 24 barangays (villages), each with its unique strengths and challenges. To meet these needs, I work closely with a dedicated team of 35 Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS). They work tirelessly throughout our community, bringing nutrition education, health promotion, and essential services right to people's doorsteps.
Together, we implement Operation Timbang Plus (OPT Plus), promote healthy lifestyle behaviors through the 10 Kumainments, and make nutrition more relatable and practical by using Pinggang Pinoy - our guide to proper food proportions for every Filipino plate.
Operation Timbang (OPT), in English, is commonly translated as "Weighing Operation" or more contextually as "Growth Monitoring and Promotion".
In the Philippines, OPT is a nationwide weight and height assessment activity conducted annually, typically by barangay health workers, to evaluate the nutritional status of children aged 0-59 months.
The "10 Kumainments" is a campaign by the Philippine Department of Health and the National Nutrition Council aimed at promoting healthy eating habits among Filipinos. It's a play on the words "kumain" (to eat) and "commandments."
Barangay Nutrition Scholars: Our Frontline Nutrition Force
One of my most important partners in nutrition governance is the BNS. These scholars are assigned to each barangay. Other barangays have more than one BNS; we have 35 BNS covering all 24 barangays of our municipality.
One of their key responsibilities is conducting OPT Plus - our annual weighing and height-taking activity for children aged 0 to 59 months. This operation allows us to:
- Assess the nutritional status of children in each barangay
- Identify who is underweight, stunted, or overweight
- Target children for feeding programs, nutrition counseling, and micronutrient supplementation
After each BNS finishes collecting data, the results will be validated by our NGO partner, who plays a crucial role in ensuring the data is complete, accurate, and consistent. Once the data is verified, it is forwarded to me for consolidation and review.
From there, I prepare the municipal report and submit it to the Provincial Nutrition Office, which in turn consolidates all data from different municipalities in the province. The final dataset is then forwarded to the National Nutrition Council. This cascading data system ensures that our local children's nutritional needs help shape national nutrition strategies.
Operation Timbang Plus: The Starting Point of Nutrition Planning
OPT Plus is more than just weighing children; it is the foundation of our planning. It tells us where help is needed, how significant the problem is, and whether our interventions are working.
When we identify nutritionally at-risk children, we act quickly:
- We organize feeding programs using Department of Science and Technology, Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) recipes that align with the Pinggang Pinoy concept.
- We conduct nutrition counseling sessions for parents and caregivers.
- We provide information on the 10 Kumainments, emphasizing simple, doable actions to prevent further malnutrition.
Without accurate OPT Plus data gathered by our BNS and validated by World Vision, none of these interventions would be targeted or effective.
The 10 Kumainments: Translating Nutrition Into Action
To help families make sense of nutrition, we use the 10 Kumainments, a simplified, catchy version of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos. Each "Kumainment" offers clear advice that our BNS use during house-to-house visits, barangay health sessions, and parent classes.
Here's how we live out each one, complete with English translations:
1. Kumain ng masustansiya, sapat at iba-iba.
(Eat nutritious, adequate, and varied food.)
- We teach families to include vegetables, fruits, protein, and rice in each meal, using Pinggang Pinoy as a visual guide.
2. Mag-ehersisyo nang regular, iwasan ang alak, huwag manigarilyo.
(Exercise regularly, avoid alcohol, and do not smoke.)
- We include physical activities like community Zumba, walking clubs, and youth dance groups during health events.
3. Kumain ng maraming gulay at prutas.
(Eat more vegetables and fruits.)
- Through our Gulayan sa Barangay and Gulayan sa Paaralan programs, we provide fresh, affordable produce.
4. Panatilihing malinis at ligtas ang pagkain.
(Keep food clean and safe.)
- We train food handlers and caregivers on food hygiene, water, sanitation, and handwashing practices.
5. Uminom ng maraming tubig, iwasan ang matatamis na inumin.
(Drink plenty of water; avoid sugary drinks.)
- We push for safe drinking water access and discourage the sale of soft drinks near schools.
6. Panatilihin ang tamang timbang.
(Maintain a healthy weight.)
- With the help of OPT Plus, we track weight trends and provide personalized advice to affected families.
7. Kumain ng almusal araw-araw.
(Eat breakfast every day.)
- We encourage families to start their day with simple, nutritious breakfasts, such as boiled eggs, bananas, or vegetable omelets.
8. Basahin ang food label, iwasan ang maalat, mamantika at matatamis.
(Read food labels; avoid salty, oily, and sugary foods.)
- We offer nutrition classes that demonstrate how to read labels, particularly for processed snacks and canned goods.
9. Kumain sa tamang oras.
(Eat on time.)
- We promote regular meal schedules to avoid over-snacking and poor eating habits.
10. Maging aktibo, mag-ehersisyo, at sama-samang kumain ng masustansiya.
(Be active, exercise, and eat nutritious food together as a family.)
- We organize family wellness events and encourage shared meals as a bonding and health-boosting activity.
These Kumainments are not just slogans-they are daily reminders. Our BNS uses them in every community orientation, and we display them in health centers, schools, and barangay halls to keep the message alive.
Pinggang Pinoy: Our Everyday Nutrition Blueprint
If the Kumainments are about what to do, then Pinggang Pinoy is about how to do it. Developed by DOST-FNRI, this plate-based food guide shows the ideal proportion of food groups in every meal:
- 12 plate for vegetables and fruits
- 14 plate for rice or carbs
- 14 plate for protein-rich food like fish, eggs, or tofu
We use Pinggang Pinoy during menu planning for the feeding program and during home visits. It's particularly effective for parents who struggle with food portioning. They often say, "Hindi ko alam na sobra pala ang kanin naming at kulang sa gulay." ("I didn't realize we were eating too much rice and too little vegetables.")
We make Pinggang Pinoy relevant and local by using food items available in sari-sari stores, wet markets, or even home gardens. This makes it easier for families to apply the guide in their daily meals.
Full Circle: From Data Collection to Behavioral Change
My role as Nutrition Action Officer is not just administrative, it's transformative. I oversee programs, train volunteers, and coordinate with the Provincial Nutrition Office and National Nutrition Council. At the heart of my job is a commitment to making nutrition meaningful for every family.
Here's how the cycle works:
1. Our BNS conducts OPT Plus, collecting vital child growth data.
2. World Vision validates the data to ensure quality and accuracy.
3. I consolidate the results and forward them to the provincial level.
4. The province forwards it to the National Nutrition Council, where the data influences
national policies.
5. Locally, we use the data to plan targeted interventions: feeding programs, education
sessions, and health screenings.
6. We promote 10 Kumainments and Pinggang Pinoy to shift daily behavior and prevent
Malnutrition.
It's a cycle of action and accountability. And every part of the BNS, from measuring a child's height to a mother adjusting her family's dinner plate, is part of a larger national movement aimed at improving health.
A Mission Worth Serving
This job is challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. I get to witness families embrace healthier habits. I see children grow stronger. I hear feedback from parents who say, "Salamat, kasi natutunan kong balansehin ang pagkain namin. ("Thank you, I learned how to balance our meals.") These small wins are huge victories.
With the support of our BNS volunteers, NGO partners, local government, and our community members, we are building a culture of health, one meal, one measurement, and one barangay at a time.
Together, with the 10 Kumainments as our moral compass and Pinggang Pinoy as our map, we move forward toward a well-nourished, empowered, and healthier municipality.
About the Author:
Perchy Carrera holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Far Eastern University in the Philippines and is a Registered Nurse currently working in a government rural health unit and birthing facility. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her three children.
Perchy is an independent contributor to CEUfasts Nursing Blog Program. Please note that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely of the independent contributor and do not necessarily represent those of CEUfast. This is not medical advice. Always consult with your personal healthcare provider for any health-related questions or concerns.
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