Tawi-Tawi Health Workers Trained to Treat Malnourished Children

Tawi-Tawi took a step forward in addressing child malnutrition. From May 19 to 21, 2025, the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of Tawi-Tawi, in partnership with the Ministry of Health – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) and the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), held its first Philippine Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (PIMAM) Training in Bongao. 

Dr. Sangkula Laja, Provincial Health Officer II, highlighted nutrition as a top priority for IPHO. The goal is to equip all field health workers with proper knowledge and skills to manage and treat malnourished children. This effort supports Governor Yshmael “Mang” Ismail Sali’s flagship program on nutrition—the MANG Nutri Project, short for Multi-Sectoral Approach to Nutrition Gaps. 

The training brought together 26 nurses and midwives from ten of the province’s 12 Rural Health Units, along with staff from the IPHO Nutrition Section. The sessions strengthened their ability to manage severe acute malnutrition (SAM), improve outpatient treatment services, and raise the quality of care for vulnerable children.

Aurora Laja, Provincial Nutrition Program Coordinator, led the training as the main facilitator. Dr. Rowell Quiogue delivered key technical sessions. Jacqueline Guirtiza, representing MOH-BARMM, joined and participated in the sessions. Jonafer Kalbit from the PhilHealth Tawi-Tawi Local Health Insurance Office discussed current benefit packages for SAM management.

Radz Sali representing the Provincial Government of Tawi-Tawi shared that they remain committed to supporting IPHO programs. He pointed to the MANG Nutri Project, which mobilizes nutrition volunteers during Operation Timbang Plus (OPT) and regular growth monitoring.

By holding this training, Tawi-Tawi strengthened its frontline response to malnutrition and took an important step toward improving the health and well-being of its children.

Author: Samantha Morales, ZFF Nutrition Knowledge Management and Communications Associate