Pregnant mothers in Metro Manila shared their First 1000 Days journey through their original poems as entries in the Nutri-Tula Writing Contest. The contest was conducted by the National Nutrition Council – NCR in line with the celebration of the 47th Nutrition Month with the theme, “Malnutrisyon patuloy na labanan, First 1000 Days tutukan!”.
Through their original poem, the pregnant mothers were able to share what they are doing to keep themselves and their babies healthy ang the things that they will do during the child’s first two (2) years of life to ensure that the child will get the best nutrition to grow well and healthy.
Ms. Joselen Pabillo (Nutritionist-Dietitian I, Department of Education - NCR), Ms. Melanie Pedregosa (Faculty Member, University of Sto. Tomas), and Ms. Maria Lourdes Vega (Executive Director, Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines) composed the board of judges. Judging of entries was held on July 26, 2021, via Zoom. A total of four (4) entries was appraised to determine the contest winners using the following criteria:
- Relevance to the theme (content) - 40%
- Organization (unity of thought, presentation) - 20%
- Originality - 20%
- Creativity and clarity of language used - 10%
- Online engagement (FB reactions) - 10%
Total - 100%
NNC-NCR Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Milagros Elisa V. Federizo emphasized the need for our community to know the first 1000 days of life and understand the importance of providing good nutrition during this period. “Sana ay nakatulong ang mga tula para maintindihan ng mga netizens kung bakit importante ang first 1000 days at gaano ito kahalaga sa mga bata, pamilya, community, and the nation as a whole,” RNPC Federizo said in her message during the judging proper.
NNC-NCR hopes that through the contest, more stakeholders will join the fight against hunger and malnutrition by scaling up efforts during the first 1000 days of life, and more mothers and families will promote, protect, and support their children’s good nutrition in the first 1000 days. It is hoped too, that the contestants will continue to practice good nutrition and give nurturing care to their children in their first 2 years of life.
Winners will be announced during the virtual Regional Nutrition Month Awarding Ceremony to be held on August 6, 2021, at 9:00 AM live via NNC-NCR Facebook Page.
You may visit the following entries by clicking the link below:
- “Para sa Iyo, aking supling” by Rosalie T. Cortez (Caloocan City)
https://www.facebook.com/127571247313932/posts/5867126100025056/ - “Anak” by Rachelle M. Delos Santos (Navotas City)
https://www.facebook.com/127571247313932/posts/5867134863357513/ - “Dahil Sa’yo” by Abrielle Natasha S. Reyes (San Juan City)
https://www.facebook.com/127571247313932/posts/5867140080023658/ - “Pangakong Nutrisyon Para Sa’yo Anak by Maria Valerie M. Reputas (Caloocan City)
https://www.facebook.com/127571247313932/posts/5867147030022963/
Written by:
Nutrition Officer II Theresa A. Rivas and
Nutrition Program Coordinator Milagros Elisa V. Federizo
