The city government of Manila aims to provide the best healthcare system in the country, starting with the launch of its dietary supplementation program.

The Manila Health Department (MDH) kicked off the 120-day feeding program for pre-school children in Barangay 841, Pandacan on Monday, part of the 48th National Nutrition Month celebration.

“Gusto po namin pagdating ng 2030, ang City of Manila ay magkakaroon ng best health care system sa buong Pilipinas. ‘Yun po ang tatahakin natin (We want that the city of Manila would have the best health care system nationwide by 2030. That is what we’re aiming for),” Dr. Arnold Pangan, Manila Health Department chief, said in an interview during the event.

When she took over as the city’s first female local chief executive on June 30, Mayor Honey Lacuna said she would prioritize health programs.

A doctor by profession, she was dubbed “Honey Bakuna” by her predecessor, Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, for doing house-to-house vaccination against Covid-19.

Among the city’s plans are building “super health centers” with complete laboratory equipment for indigent residents.

The MHD said 215 children from the six districts would be regularly provided with meals and vitamin supplements for the duration of 120 days.

“Ito pong Dietary Supplementation Program na ginagawa natin ay nilalayon na sa loob ng 120 days ang inyo pong mga anak ay magkaroon ng tamang timbang na karapat-dapat sa kanilang mga edad (Through this program, we are aiming to achieve the ideal weight that is right for your children’s age),” she said.

Lacuna likewise ordered the Public Employment Service Office to provide livelihood programs for the parents after the 120-day feeding program so they could continuously support their families, especially the children. (PNA)