In celebration of Nutrition Month 2026 last July with the theme, “Sa PPAN: Sama-Sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat!”, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Cagayan Valley, together with its beneficiary organization, the Patanad Self-Help Group and Farmers Association (PSHGFA), conducted a feeding program and seed distribution activity at Patanad Elementary School in San Isidro, Isabela.
Fresh and delicious binatog — boiled white corn tossed with melted butter and topped with freshly grated coconut and condensed milk was served to 60 pupils alongside kornik, a deep-fried, crunchy white corn snack seasoned with garlic and salt. These are value-added nutritious products of PSHGFA, which the group aims to promote in local markets and school canteens.
Meanwhile, Dr. Miriam A. Laguson, Principal of PES, expressed her gratitude to DA-SAAD Cagayan Valley and PSHGFA for bringing the activity to their school. She said the initiative not only promoted proper nutrition among learners but also encouraged children to appreciate farming and the importance of growing their own food.
“Thank you for choosing us as your beneficiary. We have received so many blessings from DA-SAAD. Thank you for the kornik and binatog, which are very delicious and provide nourishment to our children. We also received seeds and seedlings,” Dr. Laguson said.
She also highlighted that the distribution of vegetable seeds was timely, as they will be planted in their Gulayan sa Paaralan, which won first place in last year’s competition due to the wide variety of vegetables grown in their garden.
“It is very timely that you gave us seedlings to utilize in our Gulayan sa Paaralan, which is 2,000 square meters for the benefit of our School Feeding Program (SFP). We were actually the champion last year because we planted so many crops, like pinakbet vegetables. This directly supports the sustainability of our feeding program for severely wasted pupils and SFP beneficiaries,” she added.
This activity highlights the importance of proper nutrition among children while promoting the local products of farmers in Cagayan Valley.
