A study conducted by The World Bank in 2021 shows that 30 percent of Filipino children aged 5 years and below exhibit stunted growth caused by malnutrition. (Source: see below) That is 3 in every 10 children, and most of them live in far flung areas in Visayas and Mindanao.
Katherine, 5, a resident of Brgy. Dansulan in Negros Oriental, is one of them. Katherine is visibly smaller than other children of her age. She doesn’t talk and play much and is sickly. According to her mother, Kristine, 36, it’s extra difficult these days because of the blow of the pandemic and Super Typhoon Odette which also destroyed their small house. This is on top of their poor economic status since pre-pandemic.
Kristine has four children; the youngest aged 5. According to her, “There are a lot of times when we can barely make ends meet. If we don’t have money to buy milk, I give them coffee instead.” Caffeine raises blood pressure, disrupts circadian rhythm, and may cause anxiety to develop in little children.
Kristine is one of the beneficiaries of Operation Blessing’s disaster relief efforts in the disaster-stricken communities in Negros Oriental. They are still recovering from Typhoon Odette. Together with the food bag they received, they were also given packs of Nutrinkles, a micronutrient powder food supplement for children. It can be mixed with any food or drink to consume. It’ll help children develop immune system, bone health, energy production, fluid balance, and other key processes.
Kristine extends her thanks to God and Operation Blessing for the relief goods and Nutrinkles they received. As she continues to trust God and do her best in taking care of her family, she is hopeful that her little children will see better days.
We extend our appreciation to The Master’s Lighthouse Foundation for sponsoring these Nutrinkles food supplements and Cebu Pacific Air for kind-heartedly helping us transport them free of charge.
Source: bit.ly/33Y9F5l
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Helping children have a better future by providing them the nourishment that they need is in your power. WOULD YOU OPEN YOUR HANDS and give to them today? Go to www.operationblessing.ph or contact 09399215543 or 09189067753 for more details.
DSWD-SB-SP-000061-2021-Nationwide. Valid until Nov 23, 2022.