More than 500 Barangay Nutrition Scholars, Nutritionist-Dietitians and running enthusiasts from the 17 LGUs in Metro Manila ran in support of the First 1000 Days last Saturday, July 3, 2016 in Mandaluyong City.
The 3K-advocacy run and fund raising project of the Federation of Barangay Nutrition Scholars of NCR Inc. with the theme “Run for the First 1000 Days: Takbo para sa malusog na kinabukasan” was conducted in partnership with the National Nutrition Council – NCR (NNC-NCR) and Mandaluyong City Government.
In her opening message, BNS Federation President Mary Grace P. Tamayo expressed her gratitude to everyone for joining and supporting the event. She said that BNSs, being the front liners in providing nutrition and health care services in the barangay, have a big role in promoting the importance of good nutrition during the First 1000 Days. She hoped that through the event, the public will become aware on the First 1000 Days and its importance and what can be done to ensure the children’s good nutrition during the First 1000 Days.
The run officially started at 6:30 in the morning. Winners in the four (4) categories were awarded with certificates of recognition and cash prizes: Mr. Junel Gobotia of Mandaluyong City (First Adult Male Finisher); Ms. Sheila Marie Tuddao of Las Pinas City (First Adult Female Finisher); Mr. Steven Raizen Mendoza of Taytay Rizal (FIrst Youngest Finisher); and Mr. Lambert Palma of Mandaluyong City (First Oldest Finisher).
City Mayor Carmelita “Menchie” Abalos also graced the event. As the chairperson of their city nutrition committee, Mayor Menchie Abalos, pledge her commitment in including nutrition as one of the priority programs of her administration. She also expressed her support to the programs and advocacies of the National Nutrition Council.
NNC-NCR Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Milagros Elisa V. Federizo congratulated the BNS Federation for the successful event. She also thanked Mandaluyong City and Mayor Abalos for their untiring support to the cause of nutrition. She said that the advocacy run is an important event as it serves as the kick-off event for the regional celebration of Nutrition Month. She enjoined everyone to conduct nutrition month activities in their communities to inform them on how stunting can be prevented by providing good nutrition, quality health and child care during the First 1000 Days of the child.
Let us give our children a good start in life - - - give them the best nutrition in the First 1000 Days!
(TAR/NPC MEVF/NNCNCR)
