The unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic made the most vulnerable at risk for contracting the disease. The pregnant women and infants, especially those at Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) have it worst to meet their basic and essential needs in this time of crisis.

The Department of Science and Technology – Misamis Occidental made an initiative to meet the needs for additional protection of pregnant and lactating women in challenged areas.

DOST-X and the Misamis Occidental Provincial Government-Provincial Nutrition Committee partnered in the turnover of the maternity powdered-milk products last May 28, 2020.

Municipality of Concepcion Mayor Jessie Viña extended his gratefulness to DOST-Misamis Occidental Provincial Director Ms. Eufresnie Ann Simbajon and staff Ms. Joanne Katherine R. Banaag through social media postings.

Fifty-five (55) pregnant women from the municipality of Concepcion were the beneficiaries of the maternity powdered-milk products. Ms. Teresita Lumantas, Municipal Nutrition Action Officer of the municipality, accepted the donation.

The second wave of DOST-X support followed last June 5, 2020, with packs containing Cookies and Otap made from the DOST SETUP-assisted firms. One hundred sixty-two (162) lactating mothers in the same municipality are the recipient of goodies.

The provision of the maternity powdered-milk and SETUP goodies is one way of the DOST-X COVID-19 response initiative to help the most vulnerable groups, such as pregnant and lactating women cope with the impact of the pandemic. Through this, the essential pregnancy, lactating needs, and balanced diet needs are being achieved by the beneficiaries of the GIDA community to reduce the risk of micronutrient deficiencies. (Melanie O. Laude, DOST Misamis Occidental)