Bohol logs 2.52% underweight rate as

prov’l nutri council maps 2026 action plan

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)--The Provincial Nutrition Council of Bohol recently convened its 2nd quarter meeting in Tagbilaran City, bringing together representatives from key provincial agencies to strengthen nutrition governance, enhance food security programs, and ensure better health outcomes for all Boholanos.

OIC-Provincial Health Officer and Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Fruserma Mary Uy presided over the meeting, noting it was the first convening of the council for the year.

“This meeting sets the direction for strengthened collaboration among member agencies in addressing nutrition concerns,” Uy said.

Nutritionist-Dietitian II Ardin Abrea, RND, presented updates from the 4th quarter 2025 meeting, covering the Provincial Nutrition Action Plan 2026–2028, nutrition surveillance through the eOPT 2025 system, and policy concerns on local nutrition committees and personnel.

Leon Parac Jr. of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist discussed the impact of El Niño and the energy crisis on agriculture and fisheries.

Anchored on the Sagip Saka Act, or Republic Act 11321, he said interventions include crop protection, drought-resistant seeds, drip irrigation systems, organic fertilizers, and cloud seeding operations.

The council also took up the Rice Distribution Project under the Assistance to Indigent Individuals or Families – Food Assistance program, aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028.

The project distributes 10-kilogram rice packs across Bohol’s 47 municipalities and one city, with three teams covering three municipalities per day and operating four days a week.

Provincial Program Coordinator Glenda Grafilo, RND, presented nutrition surveillance data showing Bohol’s underweight prevalence at 2.52% at the regional level in 2025, alongside stunting at 5.62%, wasting at 0.90%, and overweight and obesity at 1.86%.

The Department of Education and Department of Social Welfare and Development feeding programs, including the 120-day feeding program, continue to support nutrition interventions across the province.

The Salt Iodization Program was also discussed, with emphasis on strengthening the Bantay Asin Task Force to ensure compliance with Republic Act 8172.

Proposals included the acquisition of salt testing equipment and intensified monitoring.

The council also took up preparations for the 2026 Nutrition Month celebration under the theme “Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyon Sapat Para sa Lahat! Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan!” – underscoring shared responsibility in ensuring access to safe and nutritious food.

Updates on the Barangay Nutrition Scholars Program included proposals to increase honoraria and expand financial access.

Sixty percent of scholars are already enrolled in ATM systems through the Land Bank of the Philippines.

Ivonne Vine Reyes, RND, presented the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation Protocol evaluation system and required LGU documentation.

Evaluations are scheduled May 11-15, with LGU assessments on May 11–13 and PNC evaluation on May 14–15 at the PHO Function Hall.

The meeting also reaffirmed Bohol’s recognition as a Green Banner Awardee for the third consecutive year, and included agency accomplishment reports and updates from DSWD on supplementary feeding programs. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

OIC-Provincial Health Officer and Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Fruserma Mary Uy during the Provincial Nutrition Council (PNC) 2nd quarter meeting on May 5, 2026, emphasized that the meeting, the first for the year, sets the direction for strengthened collaboration among member agencies in addressing nutrition concerns. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

PRO-7 turns over P51M in equipment to 

Bohol police ahead of ASEAN engagements

Elvira C. Bongosia 

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — The Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) received more than P51 million worth of mobility and information technology assets during the inaugural command visit of Police Regional Office 7 Acting Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Arnold E. Abad to the province on April 27.

The handover followed the traditional Monday flag-raising and awarding ceremony led by Abad alongside Provincial Director Patricio C. Degay Jr. and Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, attended by local chief executives and police commanders from various municipalities.

In his remarks, Abad thanked PNP chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. for allocating resources to Bohol and recognizing former PRO-7 directors Anthony A. Aberin and Redrico A. Maranan for their contributions.

Abad said the initiative reflects both capability-building and strong institutional support from PNP leadership, ensuring that officers on the ground are equipped to meet evolving security demands.

“This is a concrete demonstration of the PNP’s commitment to strengthening our capabilities and supporting our personnel. With better mobility and improved community systems, we empower our units to respond faster, operate smarter, and serve our communities more effectively,” Abad said.

He also stressed that as Bohol continues to host major national and international engagements, including ASEAN-related activities, sustained readiness and coordination among law enforcement, local government units, and community stakeholders are essential.

The BPPO received information and communications technology equipment worth P6,449,462.60, including 48 high-speed scanners, 48 heavy-duty printers, 35 biometric fingerprint scanners, 35 webcams with tripods, and 31 USB storage devices to enhance administrative and investigative operations.

It also received mobility assets worth P44,699,700, consisting of 18 Mitsubishi Triton 4×4 personnel carriers, 2 Toyota Hilux 4×4 patrol vehicles, 1 Toyota Innova, and 2 Honda dirt bikes.

The vehicles were distributed to police stations throughout the province, including those in Baclayon, Panglao, Tubigon, Jagna, Loboc, Loon, and other towns, as well as the Tagbilaran City Police Station and the Bohol Tourist Police Unit.

On behalf of the mayors who received new patrol vehicles, Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane C. Yap thanked Nartatez and cited the partnership between the PNP and local communities.

Yap said the two police vehicles for the Tagbilaran City Police Station arrived at the right time, ahead of the fiesta season.

“Makatabang gyud kini og dako sa mas lig-on ug mas paspas nga pagpatuman sa atong mga programa para sa peace, order, ug safety dinhi sa Tagbilaran,” Yap said.

(This will really help a lot for a stronger and faster implementation of our programs for peace, order, and safety here in Tagbilaran.) (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

Police Regional Office 7 Acting Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Arnold E. Abad turns over the ceremonial keys to the vehicles and equipment to Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) Provincial Director Police Col. Patricio C. Degay Jr. at Camp Dagohoy in Tagbilaran City on Monday, April 27. (Photo courtesy: PNP Bohol)