The city’s Health Services Office (HSO) has identified 52 children aged zero to five with nutritional challenges as the initial recipients of its “Nourish to Flourish” program, which supports children during their early development stages.

“The nutrition program is a holistic sponsorship initiative designed to improve the nutritional status of identified malnourished and underprivileged children aged 0-59 months within Baguio City.” Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, city health officer, said in an interview on Thursday.

The program identifies nutritionally challenged children and assigns each an “adopting” sponsor. All children are monitored for six months to ensure they cope and flourish, becoming nourished by the end of the program.

The young program recipients are regularly monitored by the HSO, which also assists the sponsor in identifying the necessary support to help the children improve their condition.

Beneficiaries were identified through the OPT (Operation Timbang Plus), an annual activity of the barangay health workers that weighs children under five years old.

“Sponsors will provide supplies and services tailored to the nutritional needs of the children. The CHSO will conduct regular monitoring to ensure sustained progress, including measuring the children’s growth,” Brillantes said.

The program was originally known as the “Adopt-an-Angel” program, a seasonal activity that distributes basic commodities, medicine, and food to undernourished children during the holiday season. (PNA)