DSWD Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon (BangUn) Program

In the heart of Mindanao, a transformative initiative is unfolding, aimed at battling malnutrition and hunger in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is leading the way with the Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon (BangUn) Program, bringing hope and nourishment to the community. This ambitious project targets the most vulnerable: malnourished children, empowering parents, and fortifying Filipino communities against the scourge of hunger and malnutrition.

In partnership with local government units and non-government organizations, the DSWD is conducting community-based interventions to address malnutrition in the BARMM. These interventions include nutritional education, provision of nutritious meals, and promotion of healthy practices such as breastfeeding.

Through the BangUn Program, parents are given training on proper infant and young child feeding practices, as well as nutrition-sensitive gardening techniques to ensure the availability of diverse and nutritious food sources for their families.

BangUn
Credits: DSWD / Facebook

The program’s strategy is multifaceted, encompassing Nutrition Direct Services, Nutrition Education and Advocacy, and Resilient Community Development. These encompass food-for-work programs, livelihood initiatives, access to clean drinking water, and essential psychosocial interventions. It’s a culturally-responsive service, taking into account the unique needs and practices of the Muslim Mindanao community. This collaboration involves various government and non-government organizations, highlighting a unified approach to a complex challenge.

 

Program Goals and Duration

Launched in July 2018 and spanning three years, the project’s ambition extends beyond immediate relief. It seeks to unveil the root causes of malnutrition, promote food security, enhance child health and nutrition, and foster sustainable solutions through community participation. 

goals
Credits: DSWD / Facebook

This vision was set in motion by former President Duterte, acknowledging the acute need to address malnutrition in Mindanao’s vulnerable communities.

Target Beneficiaries

This initiative’s compassion extends to children aged 0-12 years, particularly those in madaris (Muslim schools) and public elementary schools, pregnant women, teen mothers, and lactating mothers. These groups, often the hardest hit by military unrest and poverty, gain crucial access to food and basic necessities.

beneficiaries
Credits: DSWD / Facebook

Benefits of the DSWD Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon (BangUn Project)

  1. Nutritional Meals for Undernourished Children: Children in the Bangsamoro region receive balanced, nutritious meals and access to clean drinking water and sanitation, laying the foundation for healthy growth.
  2. Improvement in Child Health and Nutrition: The project provides nutritional supplements and health services, like immunizations, to improve the overall health of children.
  3. Reduction in Malnutrition and Hunger: By providing food assistance and nutritional support, this has significantly reduced malnutrition rates in the region.
  4. Enhanced Learning Performance: Adequate nutrition leads to improved focus and academic performance, helping children achieve their educational potential.
  5. Promotion of Social Cohesion and Peace: The project fosters community unity and peace by providing essential resources to those in need.
  6. Employment Opportunities for Local Residents: By offering job training and placement, the initiative boosts local employment and stimulates the economy.
  7. Local Economic Development: The project’s emphasis on nutritional support and skills training has contributed to economic growth and improved living standards.

Qualifications and Focus Point

Residents of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi Tawi, Lanao del Sur, and Basilan are prioritized, with a focus on pregnant or nursing women, children under two, malnourished children in madaris and DepEd schools, and young individuals in evacuation centers.

coverage
Credits: DSWD / Facebook

Program Implementation: A Two-Phase Approach

1st Phase: Social Preparation

  • This phase involves orienting DSWD field offices and partners, recruiting and training program staff, and engaging with schools and communities. 
  • It’s a period of groundwork, establishing responsibilities through Memorandums of Agreement, creating child profiles, and organizing parents and guardians for the initiative.

2nd Phase: Conduct of Feeding

  • Beneficiaries receive meals for 180 days, adhering to the program’s Nutritionist and FNRI Nutritional Guidelines. 
  • Parent Committees play a vital role in meal preparation and supervision, ensuring the adherence to halal standards. 
  • This phase is not just about feeding but also about educating children on healthy eating and hygiene practices.

Success Stories of the BangUn Project

Milestone Achievement: Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon Program Feeds Thousands

In a significant stride towards combating hunger and malnutrition, the Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon Program (BangUn) recently achieved a remarkable feat. The program successfully catered to the nutritional needs of 7,000 children through its extensive feeding initiative, spread over 120 days, across Maguindanao and Sulu. This concerted effort, a brainchild of the DSWD Central Office, in partnership with DSWD Region IX, DSWD XII, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development-ARMM, along with various government agencies, underscores a dedicated commitment to reducing the vulnerabilities faced by children in ARMM. The Project stands as a symbol of hope and progress, focusing on alleviating the plight of pregnant women and children up to 12 years of age from the clutches of hunger and malnutrition.

Video: Transforming Lives Through Education and Health: The Impact of BangUn Project in Mohamadsaid Degko Ahmad’s Community

Mohamadsaid Degko Ahmad, a beneficiary from the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) Field Office XII – Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon (BangUn) Project, shared how the project has brought hope to residents in their area. Previously grappling with educational attainment as a major issue, the initiative has now enabled more residents to complete their education. Furthermore, he highlighted the significant improvement in children’s health and an increase in enrollment rates, marking a positive change in the community’s trajectory towards prosperity and well-being.

 

Conclusion

The collaborative efforts of the Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon (BangUn) Project serve as evidence of its ability to combat malnutrition and hunger. It goes beyond basic nutrition and emphasizes the importance of nurturing, education, and empowerment for the most susceptible individuals in society. By adopting this comprehensive approach, this initiative by the DSWD not only provides sustenance but also fosters cognitive development and strengthens the unity of the Bangsamoro community. It marks a significant advancement towards a healthier and more resilient Bangsamoro.

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