At least 1,138 pregnant women in four provinces in the Bicol Region will receive nutritional support through a new partnership agreement between the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Bicol and the National Nutrition Council (NNC).

Christine L. Ascutia, DAR Bicol agrarian reform program officer, on Monday said the DAR-NNC joint project “Tutok Kainan” Dietary Supplementation Program will begin this week and will focus on feeding the beneficiaries from 15 towns for 90 days.

“DAR will provide the food supply, particularly fresh farm produce like vegetables and fruits, through our agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs). The ARBOs will harvest the needed supply depending on the menu prepared by NNC,” Ascutia said in an interview.

She mentioned that the NNC would directly purchase the ARBOs’ agricultural products, providing additional income to the farmers.

“Based on the contract cost, the organizations will have an income of PHP3.4 million during the duration of the program,” she said.

The pregnant beneficiaries include those from the towns of Barcelona, Gubat, and Sta. Magdalena in Sorsogon; Bagamanoc, Baras, Bato, Gigmoto, Panganiban, and San Miguel in Catanduanes; Bombon, Cabusao, Camaligan, and Gainza in Camarines Sur; and Baleno and Mandaon in Masbate province.

Ascutia said the program aims to prevent low birth weight and stunting in children and improve the quality and quantity of food and nutrient intake among pregnant women in the target areas. (PNA)