PARANAS, Samar — Once among the municipalities with the highest malnutrition rates, Paranas has transformed into a model town for nutrition governance in Samar, thanks to a series of award-winning, community-based initiatives that have significantly reduced malnutrition cases.
From nearly 500 beneficiaries in 2020, the number of individuals needing nutrition assistance dropped to just over 230 by 2025, according to Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Bernice Jessica A. Enguerra. The decline reflects the success of flagship programs such as the Nutri-Van Eco-Bricks Exchange and financial grants for mothers.
LGU Turns Crisis Into Opportunity
Enguerra said the municipality began intensifying its nutrition programs in 2018 after being listed among the top municipalities with high malnutrition rates.
“That was when we started our initiatives to reduce malnutrition in our municipality,” she said. Former Mayor Eunice Babalcon initiated the drive, drawing inspiration from successful programs in other cities and towns.
The town’s approach aligns with the national government’s priorities under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., particularly through the First One Thousand Days program and the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition.
Community-Led, Incentive-Based Programs
Since 2020, the town has implemented several nutrition-focused programs. The Nutri-Van: Exchange Your Eco-Bricks allows residents to trade eco-bricks for food packs, while financial support is given to pregnant and lactating mothers during the child’s first 1,000 days.
“Each year, we release ₱1,000 in financial grants for pregnant and lactating mothers,” Enguerra said. While exclusive breastfeeding is encouraged, mothers who practice mixed feeding are also included.
Other initiatives include Meals on Wheels, AgriNutri Tour ha Barangay, Nanay Brigade, and the Kasilyas Program, all designed to address nutrition at the grassroots level.
Positive Results Reflected in Data
Data from the Operation Timbang Plus from 2020 to 2025 show a consistent downward trend in malnutrition indicators:
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Underweight prevalence decreased from 5% in 2021 to 3.1% in 2025.
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Stunting, which peaked at 11.9% in 2021, declined to 7.7% in 2025.
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Wasting remained the least common, dropping slightly from 0.8% to 0.6% during the same period.
Beneficiaries Speak Out
For residents like Emilyn A. Labong, 34, the program was life-changing. Her fifth child, once severely malnourished, has now recovered.
“Before, there was no LGU program,” Labong recalled. “We couldn’t afford food, fruits, or medicines. My child was severely underweight. Now she’s healthy, vaccinated, and no longer sick.”
Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Lucila C. Loterte emphasized the importance of the first 1,000 days of life, citing regular checkups and proper nutrition as crucial interventions.
“Proper and adequate nutrition for children and the whole family is very important,” Loterte said. “Promoting food security programs is essential because hunger, especially among children, should never be overlooked.”
Loterte also detailed the incentive system for nutrition workers and families. Barangay nutrition scholars receive ₱2,000 and municipal nutrition officers ₱1,000 for each child who achieves normal weight. Families are granted ₱5,000 for nutritious meals, with an additional ₱5,000 if their children gain weight.
Awards and Recognition
Paranas has received multiple accolades, including:
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The Green Banner Award (2021–2023)
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The Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Award
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Recognition for innovative practices such as the eco-brick exchange
This year, the municipality is a contender for the CROWN Maintenance Award.
Enguerra credited strong local leadership, inter-office collaboration, and sustained advocacy as key factors in the program’s success.
“At first, it was hard to convince some parents due to different beliefs,” she said. “But with consistent advocacy and showing compassion, people were encouraged. We saw a rapid decrease in all types of malnutrition.”
People-Centered Governance
Information Officer Mary Guen Sablayan said community dialogue plays a vital role in shaping local programs.
“It’s always rooted in the needs of the people through sectoral dialogue,” Sablayan explained. “In each barangay, the mayor and vice mayor ask what is needed. Sometimes nutrition issues come up, and the response is participatory.”
With community participation, innovative strategies, and data-driven policies, Paranas has turned a nutrition crisis into a success story—now serving as a benchmark for other towns in Samar and beyond.
— Reporting by Aaron C. Cotejar, PIA Samar
