On November 11, 2022, the National Nutrition Council-NCR officially organized its Regional Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Youth Network in a meeting with youth leaders in Metro Manila. The network is composed of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Presidents and representatives from the Girl Scouts of the Philippines and Eagle Scouts of the Philippines.

As members of the network, they can collaborate and exchange good practices with other youth leaders who are committed to improving nutrition. They can also explore opportunities to work with other youth organizations, government agencies, private sector, and even professional associations in scaling up nutrition actions.  They can also contribute to discussions on the nutrition issues affecting the youth and participate in the activities of the regional SUN networks of civil society, academe, and business sector.

Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Milagros Elisa V. Federizo in her presentation urged the youth leaders to join the fight against hunger and malnutrition.  “As youth leaders, you have the potential, energy, and creativity to seek solutions to nutrition challenges.  You can be nutrition champions by helping put the nutrition agenda forward and mobilize other groups for nutrition action.  We need you as partners in scaling up nutrition in the region”, said RNPC Federizo.

During the meeting, SK President of Makati City Councilor Rodolfo C. San Pedro, was unanimously chosen as the Convenor of the NCR SUN Youth Network. He committed to support nutrition and related activities of NNC-NCR, particularly programs and activities for malnourished children.  "Rest assured na 'yung natitira naming one year as SKs, we will allocate budget for malnourished children. It's about time na mag focus ang mga SK sa ganitong concern and issue", said Councilor San Pedro in his acceptance speech.  

The regional SUN Youth Network together with the networks of academe, business, and civil society organizations will be participating in a planning workshop as part of the formulation of the Regional Plan of Action for Nutrition (RPAN) 2023-2028. The workshop will be conducted by the NNC-NCR before the year ends.

Written by: NO III Emerenciana L. Francia and RNPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo