Cervantes, Ilocos Sur— “Empowering the community through radio to disseminate correct, current and relevant nutrition and health information from all concerned sectors of the community, government agencies and non-government agencies” – this is the goal of the radio program established by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) at the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College- Cervantes Campus.

Nutriskwela Community Radio Network Program was launched inside the ISPSC campus during the orientation and ocular visit conducted last November 13, 2014 at the College Canteen, ISPSC. The orientation was spearheaded by Ms. Jovita Raval, Division Chief of NIED- NNC, Mr. Francis “Kiko” Flores, NNC Media Partner of MQ Mediazone and Ms. Ma. Eileen B. Blanco, Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of NNC-Region I and was attended by the officials and faculty members of the ISPSC- Cervantes Campus with ISPSC President, Dr. Rafael B. Querubin.

A total of 25 nutriskwela radio stations were already established nationwide and this project is a part of the Phase IV expansion on the establishment of additional 10 radio network programs which will complete the 35 stations by 2015.

Ms. JovitaRaval said that the project is a community-based and a community-owned radio where everybody in the community is welcome to participate.

 “This project aims to contribute to the advocacy of the NNC in the Promotion of Good Nutrition as one of the mandates of the National Nutrition Council. Sixty percent (60%) of the airing time should be focused on nutrition advocacy and other developmental programs,” she added.

On behalf of the college,ISPSC President Rafael Querubin thanked the National Nutrition Council for another opportunityto partner with ISPSC Cervantes on the nutriskwela.

 “I commit the same dedication on this project as part of my responsibility as president of this institution. The community will surely benefit from this program.I’ve spent a lot of my time here in Cervantes and I love the people of Cervantes, that’s why I did not hesitate to accept this project,” President Querubinsaid.

Finally, NNC, represented by Ms. Raval, and the ISPSC represented by President Querubin,signed the memorandum of agreement. It was witnessed by Mr. Kiko Flores of MQ Mediazone, NPC Blanco of NNC-Region I, Mr. Calucag of NNC-CO and the rest of the officials of ISPSC.