The Makati Health Department conducted its 3rd City Nutrition Conference on September 21, 2018 at Oxford Suites Hotel, Makati City which was attended by 100 barangay officials and health workers from 33 barangays in Makati City. The topics of the conference focused on the preventive measures and control of malnutrition in different settings.
RNPC Ms. Milagros Elisa V. Federizo of the National Nutrition Council-NCR discussed the topic on Nutrition in Emergencies in Urban Setting. She highlighted the actions that need to be taken by the local nutrition cluster before, during and after a disaster. She also encouraged the barangay officials and health workers to be actively involved in their respective nutrition clusters. Dr. Alvin Gamulo, Dental Supervisor of the Makati Health Department, discussed Oral Health and Nutrition which focused on the effects of diet on oral health and vice versa. He also talked about the preventive and social measures of improving oral health and nutrition at the family and community levels.
During the afternoon session, Ms. Margarita Enriquez of UNICEF, discussed the Management of Acute Malnutrition. Her presentation highlighted the causes of malnutrition and identification and management of acute malnutrition. Ms. Majalin Tiu, Local Government Officer III of DILG-Makati discussed Nutrition in the Barangay Development Plan emphasizing the importance of including nutrition in the development plan. She also discussed the process of allocating funds and possible fund sources for nutrition programs.
Ms. Soccoro Alma F. Gammad gave a synthesis on the lecture-presentations and emphasized the action lines in ensuring that nutrition is given priority by the barangay councils. She called on the participants to be actively involved in their respective local nutrition committees and to undertake innovative programs and projects for nutrition and health. She reminded the participants that investing in nutrition means investing in the people and the country’s future.
To conclude the conference, Dr. Elizabeth Medina, MNCHN Coordinator of Makati City emphasized the need for the support of the barangay officials in implementing nutrition programs for the improvement of the health and nutrition status of the Makatizens. (PJMA/TAR/MEVF)
Written by: Princess Jean M. Algones, Nutritionist-Dietitian I, Makati City
Ms. Algones is a member of the Regional Nutrition Writers' Guild and C/DNPC of Metro Manila Association, Inc.
