Good nutrition is our mission

The School Wellness Advisory Committee (SWAC) of CARD-MRI Development Institute, Inc. (CMDI) conducted the third “Share-a-Snack Program” which ran for 10 days from January 16 to 27, 2017 at CMDI Main Campus, Brgy. Tranca, Bay, Laguna.

The said program aims to enhance awareness on proper nutrition and to promote healthy eating habits through sharing and providing snacks among identified lightweight and less fortunate senior high school students. This was made possible through the partnership and sponsorship of college Blocks 3 and 4 who were willing to share their morning and afternoon snacks with the participants.

The committee initiated its pilot activity in line with the Nutrition Month celebration on July 18-29, 2016 where 60% of the students successfully gained substantial weight. Because of this positive development and accomplishment, the SWAC conducted the program for the second time on September 19 to 30, 2016 and it also demonstrated a significant increase in weight among 12 out of 18 senior high school students from Blocks 1 to 3. Now, the program is on its third run with 52 identified lightweight senior high school students from Blocks 1 to 3.

The committee recorded the participants’ initial weight and monitored their attendance until the final day. Based on the results, more than half of the participants (55.77 %) gained weight roughly ranging from 1-4 kilograms, followed by 10 out of 52 students (19.23 %) who slightly increased in weight. There was a significant increase in weight among 39 out of 52 participants.
Only 3 of them maintained their initial weight, while 10 students reduced weight. Given the results, it can be concluded that the 10-day program was successful and effective since it improved a majority of the participants’ weight.

“This is a very big help for students like us because it does not only allow us to gain weight but it also taught us to save money,” expressed Monique Zyrene Villegas, participant. Further, the students were very grateful for the feeding activity. “To have a good health, one must eat nutritious and proper food,” according to Joshua Ellera, another participant. They also hoped that the committee will continue the activity.

While the program does not assure that this will solve underweight or undernourishment problems of the students, the committee vows to continue providing social services for the students’ wellness. “We plan to do this again on the third week of February 2017,” said Ms. Iya Aspiras, committee head and school nurse. She also encouraged other blocks to join and share in this activity.

by: Dianne B. Ubaldo