The paradise of Palawan, amid nature and children dying of hunger
Puerto Princesa (AsiaNews / CBCP) - Palawan is considered one of the most beautiful islands of the Philippines: a paradise of unspoilt nature, a "green gem" - as some call it - still unknown to mass tourism. Yet it has the highest rate of malnutrition in the country and a mostly tribal population who suffer from hunger and lack of knowledge of basic healthcare.
According to the Municipal Health Office out of 6,550 children under 6 years of age, 1,118 (17.07%) are considered underweight; 256 (3.90%) severely underweight; only 60 (0.92%) overweight.
The districts Malawig and Taara - entirely populated by indigenous peoples - the highest rate of malnutrition was recorded, respectively, 33.85% and 32.86%. "Although vaccination campaigns and worming is readily available - explains Dr. Allan Gintapan, an official of the Municipal Health Office - other services such as prenatal care and infant care are absent."
According to the doctor, the Local Government Unit (LGU) "should give priority to the creation of hygiene and sanitation facilities for families most at risk and establish clean drinking water systems".
Dr. Gintapan adds, "we need to teach these people the importance of a protein-based diet and the need to become independent from the economic point of view. Perhaps starting small crops as a way to maintain the upkeep of their families".
In fact this is the aim of the National Justice and Peace Secretariat of the Catholic Bishops' Conference (CBCP-Nassa), through the project "Reach Philippines." With the support of Caritas Internationalis, the initiative aims to develop better livelihood opportunities and provide food safety and sanitation. The hope is to be able to help at least 17,575 families, a total of 70,300 people.
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