NNC-NCR Nutrition Program Coordinator NCR Milagros Elisa V. Federizo and Regional Nutrition Committee Chair RD Gloria J. Balboa signed a memorandum of understanding on scaling up nutrition (SUN) with the members of the SUN Networks of Civil Society, Academe and Businesses on June 10, 2022 at Crown Regency Hotel in Makati City.

The signing of MOU happened during the Regional Launch of the SUN 3.0 in the National Capital Region. The SUN is a global movement which unites governments, civil society, development partners, academe, business, and private sector in a collective effort to improve nutrition. It is a renewed effort to eliminate all forms of malnutrition, based on the principle that everyone has a right to food and good nutrition.  The SUN Movement was founded on the principle or approach that no single sector or stakeholder can effectively fight malnutrition in all its forms.

During the launch, SUN Philippines Focal Point Assistant Secretary and Executive Director of the National Nutrition Council Dr. Azucena M. Dayanghirang reiterated the call for an urgent need for all to work together and find sustainable solutions to the long-standing problem of malnutrition “The opportunity is now here in front of us as we embark on joining the SUN Movement. Let us focus on our resources and efforts on interventions that work on the ground and align our actions to yield positive results”.

Inter-agency Task Force on Zero Hunger Chair Atty. Melvin Alvarez Matibag also hopes that through the leadership of the RNC-NCR, the regional SUN networks can work hand in hand to implement necessary programs in the region that are anchored in the national food policy and SUN 3.0 strategy. These efforts will help raise children who are healthy as this is crucial as the country is entering the post pandemic world.

NPC Federizo is also optimistic that this partnership can make a change in beating malnutrition and ensure a better and brighter future for the children and the generations to come. “The signing of the MOU signals the beginning of the multi-sectoral partnerships of the members of the regional SUN Networks in Metro Manila. And we remain hopeful that the regional SUN networks will be able to contribute much to the concerted efforts in bringing about the nutrition improvement that we all desire” – NPC Federizo said.

The networks committed to participate in the celebration of nutrition month and  will meet to discuss their plans and actions to take in scaling up nutrition.

Written by: NOIII Emerenciana L. Francia and NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo