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This study compared the composition, yield, and freezing point of buffalo colostrum and milk collected on the 30 th , 60 th , and 90 th day of lactation from purebred Murrah and its crosses with the Philippine Carabao. A total of 133 milk samples were collected from 36 buffaloes (20 purebred Murrah and 16 "Murrah x Carabao" crosses) and evaluated for fat, protein, and lactose content, solids non-fat (SNF), total solids, and freezing point. Colostrum contained significantly (p<0.05) more protein, SNF, total solids, and higher freezing point, but less moisture and lactose, and were produced in lower amounts than milk obtained on different days of lactation. Fat percentage was not significantly different (p>0.05) between colostrum and milk. Colostrum from Murrah buffaloes had more protein but less fat and colostrum yield than "Murrah x Carabao" crosses. Among crossbred buffaloes, the F2 "75% Murrah -25% Carabao" crosses produced more colostrum than F1 "50% Murrah -50% Carabao" (p<0.05). Older buffaloes also produced more colostrum. Milk parameters were similar for Murrah and "Murrah x Carabao" crosses, except for test-day milk yield, which was significantly higher in "Murrah x Carabao" crosses. The F1 crossbred buffaloes had milk containing more lactose and SNF, but lower freezing point than milk from F2 crossbred buffaloes. Buffaloes, already with more lactations, had higher test-day milk yield but with lower fat and total solids. High monthly temperature reduced test-day milk yield. In conclusion, breed differences, age at calving, number of lactations, and high monthly temperature may have caused changes in the composition and yield of buffalo colostrum and milk.

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The field trial was conducted to establish the reliability in producing similar results between evaluators of the proposed new tools for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of the nutrition plans and programs in the Local Government Units (LGUs). To do this, orientation activities were conducted to familiarize the 46 M&E team (MET) members evaluating the provincial, municipal, city, and barangay levels in two regions with the proposed tools during the field trial. After the event, the perceptions of the MET members of the tools were gathered by asking them to rate the tools through a self-administered questionnaire, and by noting their written and verbal commentaries about the proposed system. During the field trial, each MET member, as well as the member of the Project Team (PT), individually evaluated the LGUs using the tools. Secondary data on the LGUs performance scores using the old system were also gathered. The MET members' perception was examined based on the median rank of their ratings and content analysis of their insights about the tools, whereas the reliability of the tools was assessed based on the interrater reliability of the MET members' scores for the LGUs analyzed through paired samples t-Test, Pearson correlation coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient, and technical error of measurement. The weighted scores of the MET and PT members were also compared. Moreover, the difference in the generated scores between the old and the new system was determined. The findings revealed that the MET members generally have a positive perception of the new system but raised some issues and concerns. Although the reliability of the tools was generally observed, actions are warranted for improvement. The tools generated statistically different scores when used by MET and PT members, and when compared to the existing system. Steps should be taken to improve the reliability of the proposed tools.

Climate change and malnutrition are two global phenomena that affect millions of population groups. The Philippines is considered one of the most vulnerable countries for extreme natural events and at the same time has a high prevalence of underweight (19.0%) and stunting (28.8%) in 2019 among under five children. The nutritionally vulnerable groups are children, pregnant and lactating women, and elderly. These groups are also greatly affected by climate change-related events then the malnutrition situation is exacerbated. The local nutrition workers are the frontline workers who plan, implement, and monitor nutrition programs. Mainstreaming climate change in the local nutrition planning processes will be facilitated if nutrition workers are knowledgeable. This study aimed to determine the current knowledge, attitudes and practices of nutrition workers and perceptions on how to mainstream climate change in the nutrition sector’s local planning system. A survey was conducted among local nutrition workers. Ninety-five percent of nutrition workers were highly knowledgeable, 86% were with high level of attitudes and 50% were exhibiting moderate level of practices related to climate change. The gaps can be narrowed by capacity building and possibly this can lead to mainstreaming climate change in the local nutrition planning process.

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Introduction: Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is relevant in public health as it is a potential cause of child stunting. In the Philippines, stunting affects 33.4% of children in 2015. As of date, no local studies on EED exist. This study primarily aimed to determine the prevalence of EED, soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and stunting; and their relationships. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 children aged 36-59 months old in Quezon Province, Philippines. EED was assessed via glucose hydrogen breath test with a cut-off of >20 ppm over baseline by 90 minutes suggestive of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a biomarker of EED. Kato Katz Technique was used to determine STH. Stunting was determined using the 2006 World Health Organization Child Growth Standards. Descriptive and correlation analyses of data were done at 10% level of significance. The study received approval from the National Ethics Committee of PCHRD-DOST, Philippines. Results: Data on expired hydrogen level of <20ppm were documented. The prevalence of STH among children were 38.1% for Ascaris lumbricodes, 15.3% for Trichuris trichiura, and 1.7% for hookworm infections. A high rate of stunting at 40.0% was observed. There was a significant positive association between stunting and the presence of Ascaris (p=0.01). Conclusion: There was no case of EED detected in the study. The severity of stunting was high at 40.0%. Among the STH, the prevalence of 38.1% children having Ascaris lumbricodes was alarming in terms of morbidity control. Nutrition interventions including WASH practices and the use of anthelminthic drugs need to be intensified to address stunting and STH.