THE Department of Health (DOH)—Ilocos Region together with the National Nutrition Council conducted nutritional assessment to Kindergarten and Grade 1 school learners to selected schools in La Union to identify potential health and developmental risks among school children from June 24-27, 2025.
Nutritional assessment of grade school children is crucial in identifying malnutrition and it allows for timely interventions and preventing long-term complications.
“The objective is to identify and address potential health issues among school children, promote healthy growth and development, and enhancing their academic performance. Kapag malusog ang isang bata, lalaki itong matalino, at malakas ang katawan,” Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco emphasized.
“By assessing their health, we can provide timely interventions and encourage healthy eating habits to ensure that children receive the necessary nutrients for their optimal physical, cognitive, and social-emotional growth, especially during their period of development.”
“Hindi laging mahahalata kung ang isang bata ay kulang sa nutrisyon kaya’t importante na malaman ang mga karaniwng palatandaan upang ito ay maagapan,” she stated.
Among the schools where the activity was conducted were in Bacnotan Central School, San Gabriel Central School, Aringay Central School and Agoo Est Central School.
Regional Nutrition Coordinator Jovita Leny S. Calaguas said that both undernutrition and overnutrition can be identified through nutritional assessment.
“This systematic assessment can evaluate a child’s nutritional status, identify underlying causes, and guide interventions to avopid malnutrition. Mas madali nating malaman ang kalusugan ng isang bata at mas agaran tayong makakapagbigay ng mga paraan upang matulungan ang mga magulang na mapaunlad ang kanilang nutrisyon.”
Calaguas also assured that children identified with health and nutrition risk will be referred immediately to the nearest DOH-retained hospital for further medical assistance.
The nutrition assessment for kindergarten and grade 1 school learners is part of the DOH Health Point Action Agenda no. 5 – Pag-iwas sa sakit (disease prevention).
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