The National Nutrition Council-Regional Office I (NNC-ROI) in partnership with the Regional Organization of Nutrition Development Advocates-1 (RONDA-1), an organization of local media partners in the region as well as the Department of Health- RO I, Department of Agriculture- RFU 1 and Commission on Population, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, the Regional League of Nutrition Action Officers (RLNAOs) and the LUPang Ilocos Barangay Nutrition Scholars Federation, Inc., conducted two (2) batches of Civic Advocacy activity in nutritionally depressed barangays in the region. The first batch of the RONDA-1 Civic Advocacy was successfully conducted last December 1, 2017 at Barangay Caranglaan covered court, Dagupan City while the second batch was held on December 19, 2017 at Liga Building, Barangay 1, Santa Rita, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.
The annual activity aims to increase and intensify the awareness of the community on the importance of proper health and nutrition during the first 1000 days of life. Pregnant and lactating women and mothers of malnourished children were the target participants of the activity.
A total of two hundred (200) mothers including their malnourished children attended the first batch of the civic advocacy in Dagupan City. Honorable Teresa Coquia, Chairperson of Barangay Caranglaan, Dagupan City delivered her welcome message while NPC Ma. Eileen Blanco and Mr. Bernie Errasquin, Station Manager of DZMQ-Dagupan gave their opening messages. City Health Officer, Dr. Ophelia Rivera who is also the City Nutrition Action Officer and Ms. Ana Mariel Lopez presented an overview of the first 1000 days and the health and nutrition services of Dagupan City.
Nutrition Officer I, Ms. Wylibeth Lumpias of NNC RO I conducted a cooking demonstration of nutritious recipe “Nilagang Gulay Na May Isda”. Simultaneous with the lecture was the nutri-games facilitated by the LUPangIlocos BNS Federations Inc. officers, preschool children enjoyed both the games and prizes.
A press conference followed in partnership with the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas- Pangasinan Chapter. Moderators of the press conference were Mr. Mark Gemson Espinosa, Station Manager of iFM-Dagupan and Mr. Emmanuel Sibayan, Station Manager of Love Radio Dagupan. Ms. Ma. Eileen B. Blanco, Mr. Bernie Errasquin, Honorable Teresa Coquia, Dr. Ophelia Rivera and CNAO Ana Mariel Lopez served as the members of the panel.
On the other hand, a total of one hundred fifty (150) mothers including their malnourished children attended the second batch of the civic advocacy in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte. Honorable Jose a. Pilar Jr., Vice-Mayor of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte gave his welcome message in behalf of Mayor Nicomedes C. Dela Cruz, Jr. Vice-Mayor Pilar stressed that the LGU of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte is very thankful that the municipality was selected as the venue for the RONDA-1 Civic Advocacy activity. He is looking forward that with the conduct of such activity in the municipality of Bacarra, the learnings will be applied and the prevalence of malnutrition will be decreased.
Municipal Nutrition Action Officer, Ms. Mency Tolentino discussed the overview of first 1000 days while Ms. Mayrose Damo conducted a cooking demonstration on nutritious “Banana Muffin” which can be an Income Generating Project (IGP) of the mothers in the area.
Like the first batch of RONDA-1 Civic Advocacy activity, a press conference was done in partnership with Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas - Ilocos Norte Chapter. Moderators were Ms. Milagros Abuan, Account Executive of DZNL Aksyon Radio and Ms. Celestina Paz, Station Manager of DWFB-Radyo Pilipinas Laoag. The members of the panel were MNAO Mency Tolentino, PNAO Elma S. Irapta, Municipal Agriculturist, Mr. William Ulep, Public Health Nurse, Ms. Lezlee Myrna Cadiz.
The last part of the 2 batches of the Civic Advocacy was highlighted with the distribution of Christmas gift packs to pregnant and lactating mothers as well as distribution of gifts for the little ones. Both activity ended with gratitude coming from the LGUs and smiling faces seen from the beneficiaries. /mvqdc
