ARMM-BRIDGE program sends food aid to 900 poor families in Lanao Sur

COTABATO CITY – In an effort to address issues besetting poor families in the region, about 900 family-beneficiaries in Lanao del Sur received their two-month food and nutrition assistance from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Through the Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development for Growth and Empowerment (ARMMBRIDGE), or Apat na Dapat Program, the regional government said it is providing supplementary food support targeting all 7,000 family-beneficiaries in the ARMM for 2018.

The ARMM government earmarked a total of P2.9 billion for this program that combats poverty and uplifts the living condition of the poorest households by providing basic needs such as food, livelihood training, water and sanitation, shelter, and electricity.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman reiterated that the absence of one of the basic needs poses risks to a family. He said the program seeks to ensure the beneficiary-families are able to sustain their food needs through livelihood assistance and training and other incomegenerating activities.

On July 18, food distribution in Lanao del Sur was simultaneously held in the municipalities of Picong, Balabagan, Madamba, Lumbabayabao, Balindong, Saguiaran, Mulondo, Butig, and Ditsaanramain. The distribution in the municipalities of Piagapo, Lumbaca Unayan, Lumbayanague, Bubong Ramain, Kapai, Ganassi, Madalum, Masiu, Kapatagan and Marawi City will be held soon.

The food items include two sacks of 50kilogram good quality rice, fresh eggs, mung beans, powdered milk, cooking oil, iodized salt, brown sugar, and coffee. Hygiene kits including bath soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and toothbrush were also distributed to each family.

David Ali, ARMM BRIDGE project manager, noted that inadequate food is one of the factors why there are families considered as ‘poorest of the poor’. “Kung kaya, nagbibigay tayo ng support sa pagkain. Ito ay dinisenyo ng ating nutritionist para matugunan ang nutritional requirement ng buong pamilya,” Ali said, adding, they also measure the beneficiary-child’s weight and length every month.

An orientation on basic nutrition was also conducted by ARMMBRIDGE nutritionist and staff to educate parents on proper hygiene and nutrition to help reduce the risk of malnutrition, especially among children. The region already delivered food aid in the provinces of Maguindanao, Tawi-tawi, and Lanao del Sur. Similar activities in the provinces of Basilan and Sulu are also set in the coming months.