28 November 2014-- With the objective of increasing awareness of the community on proper health and nutrition particularly families with underweight preschool children, the National Nutrition Council in coordination with the Regional Organization of Nutrition Development Advocates (RONDA), local media group in Region I, conducted a one day civic advocacy activity in Salomague Sur, Bugallon, Pangasinan which was attended by around 100 participants from the barangay particularly, parents of undernourished children, barangay officials and barangay volunteers.

The event was graced by Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Ma. Eileen Blanco, Municipal Administrator Amado Aquino, Provincial Nutritionist-Dietitian Mila Gutierez, Barangay Captain Edilbrando Maza and the members of RONDA.

Bugallon was chosen as the venue of the activity because based on the 2013 OPT results, the municipality is included in the top 100 cities/municipalities nationwide with high incidence of underweight and severely underweight among 0-23 months old preschool children.

Mothers were given lectures on the 10 Kumainments, IYCF in Emergencies, Livelihood Orientation on Bangus Pulvoron and Mushroom Production and Cooking Demonstration on how to prepare Puto Muringa. On the other hand, children were entertained with a simple lecture on the different food groups. Each one received simple gifts from the organizers to make the activity memorable especially for the children.

 With the conduct of this activity, constituents of Barangay Salomague Sur especially the families with underweight children have gained knowledge on proper caring and proper nutrition for their family, and hopefully, the activity will be an eye opener to everyone that nutrition plays a very important role in development and should be given a priority.