South Cotabato Province, also known as the "Land of the Dreamweavers," held a 48th Nutrition Month culmination event at Tupi Gymnasium with the theme "New Normal Na Nutrisyon, Sama-Samang Gawan Ng Solusyon."
This year's theme was chosen as a call to strengthen nutrition interventions and build solidarity for nutrition improvement as the country transitions to living with the COVID-19 virus, and nutrition is critical in transitioning from a pandemic to the new normal architype.
To highlight and support the country in this yearly celebration when July comes, South Cotabato has done a series of activities such as Search for Healthy Preggy Mommy, Cooking Contest where chicken was the main ingredient for BNC members, and Nutri Quiz Show for Barangay Nutrition Scholar. The event also included the recognition of outstanding nutrition program implementers.
Nutrition Action Officers, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, Barangay Captains, and Pregnant Women from the province's ten municipalities and one city attended the event.
Hon. Romeo S. Tamayo, Municipal Mayor of Tupi and Chairman of the Municipal Nutrition Committee, was among those who attended the event and delivered the welcome address. And Ms. Angela B. Frugalidad, RND Nutrition Officer II, acknowledges the participants who came out to support the events.
Hon. Alan Ines and Hon. Ervin Luntao, both board members, delivered inspirational messages at the celebration.
Mr. Rudy S. Jimenea, Provincial Nutrition Action Officer and Provincial Information Officer, declared the contest open and delivered a message emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition, particularly for young children, in preventing malnutrition.
Ms. Retsebeth Laquihon, RND, MPD, MDM from the National Nutrition Council Region XII also delivered a message, highlighting the necessity of collaboration among nutrition stakeholders in combating the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition.
Mr. Earl C. Madres, RSW, MTRM, Community Affairs Officer III, introduced the members of the board of judges/consultant and read the contest mechanics and criteria.
Ms. Liza C. Enamno, RND, Nutrition Officer I, led the pledge of commitment.
Ms. Sonia L. Bautista, RSW, MPA, MTRM, OIC of PSWDO, then gave heartfelt closing remarks.
The Municipality of Polomolok bagged Most Outstanding Municipality of South Cotabato, Janet S. Neri of Norala was hailed as the Most Outstanding Municipal Action Officer, Mary Joy B. Malesido of St. Nino was named Most Outstanding Nutrition Program Coordinator, and Virginette A. Jickain of Polomolok again was the Most Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar.
Finally, Cyrn G. Cancel of Norala was the champion the Cooking Contest, Marilyn Gordon of Polomolok won the Health Preggy Mommy, and Melissa G. Magpatoc of Tupi came out as first place in the Nutri Quiz Show for BNS. (DMO II Madrona/ NOIII Flores/ RNPC Laquihon)
