27 July 2019--The National Nutrition Council- Regional Office 1 (NNC-ROI) joined the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office I in the Outreach Project for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in one of the region’s Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA)- Barangay Duplas, Sudipen, La Union. This was attended by around 200 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries.

The activity aims to encourage the beneficiaries to continue to be compliant to the program’s requirements as well as to reach-out the IPs and deliver social services closer to the Indigenous Cultural Communities towards improved health, nutrition, and education among the beneficiaries.

NNC-ROI along with other agencies provided their respective services particularly nutrition assessment and counseling among the 4Ps beneficiaries to be guided with their daily nutritional needs. Also, the 10 Kumainments ref magnets, Salt Iodization pamphlets and breastfeeding cups for pregnant and lactating mothers were distributed.

Other agencies like National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) also shared its program on the provision of certificate of confirmation for Indigenous Peoples (IP) and scholarship for the beneficiaries. Philheallth also discussed the services that are available for the beneficiaries. The Department of Agriculture (DA) distributed seeds while POPCOM distributed different contraceptives. The Philippine Dental Association and MHO-Sudipen also provided free check-up and medicines.

Youth Development Session was also organized to encourage them to finish their studies and prepare for their future.

It was indeed a meaningful and fruitful activity, reaching out the unreachable and carrying out the government battle cry of no one should be left behind particularly in social development.

Nutrition Officers, Ms. Christie Ferino and Ms. Wylibeth Lumpias and NNC’s support staff Ms. Sarah Bangaoil and Ms. Julieperl Oaña represented the NNC during the activity. CPF