DOST-FNRI INCLUDES THREE MANOLO FORTICH BARANGAYS IN ANNUAL SURVEY

National Nutrition Survey

The Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), Subteam 6 of Team 3, led by Anginette Espiritusanto, conducted a courtesy call on August 14, 2023, with Manolo Fortich Municipal Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño. This was in connection with the implementation of the National Nutrition Survey (NNS) for the years 2023-2024, wherein three barangays within the Municipality were randomly chosen to participate as part of the population sample.

The random sampling process involves selecting households from designated districts across the three chosen barangays. These barangays include Alae, with 25 households selected; Damilag, with 3 selected households; and Guilang-guilang, with 10 selected households to be surveyed. The survey commenced on August 12 and is scheduled to conclude on August 22, 2023.

The survey encompasses 11 distinct components, encompassing anthropometry, clinical and health assessments, dietary habits, socio-economic considerations, biochemical measurements, food security evaluations, government program participation assessments, infant and young child feeding practices, maternal health and nutrition evaluations, mental health and nutrition inquiries, and an analysis of the local food environment.

Anthropometry involves measurements such as body mass index (BMI), head circumference, waist, hip, and limb circumferences to gauge adiposity. Additionally, skinfold thickness measurements are included. For clinical assessments, individuals aged 10 and above undergo blood pressure checks. Biochemical evaluations entail collecting blood and urine samples for nutrient measurement and clinical diagnosis verification. Interviews will also be conducted, with household-level questions focusing on government program participation, particularly nutrition-related programs, and their level of engagement in these initiatives. On an individual level, the questions will cover topics like alcohol/smoking consumption, physical exercise routines, food intake, and similar aspects.

As the government's principal research entity in food and nutrition, the DOST-FNRI undertakes the NNS to provide empirical data regarding the health and nutrition status of Filipinos. These findings serve as vital inputs for the formulation of health and nutrition policies and the development of targeted nutrition programs. Trained and fully vaccinated field workers, including nutritionists, dietitians, nurses, medical technologists, and other allied health professionals, are responsible for data collection.

The NNS 2023-2024 spans across 81 provinces, 33 highly urbanized cities (HUCs), and 3 other special areas nationwide. This year, Bukidnon was selected as one of the provinces to be included in the survey, demonstrating the nationwide scope and significance of this comprehensive endeavor.