The Regional Nutrition Committee of Region 1 (RNC1) successfully kicked-off the 46th Nutrition Month Celebration via online and on-air on July 2, 2020 with the theme “Batang Pinoy SAMA ALL… Iwas Stunting SANA ALL! Iwas ALL din sa COVID-19!”. The launching was posted on live streaming at the official Facebook Page of NNC-ROI simulcasted at the official Facebook page of the Philippine Information Agency 1 (PIA1) and in various local radio stations regionwide to include DZRD Sonshine Radio-Dagupan, DWFB Radyo Pilipinas-Laoag, Nutriskwela Radyo Kailian in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur and Nutriskwela Radyo Karruba in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. The same was and will be replayed in other stations who are members of the Regional Organization of Nutrition Development Advocates-1 (RONDA-1), Inc.
Mr. Kendall Gatan, Officer in-charge of NNC-ROI opened the Nutrition Month Launching showcasing the importance of this year’s celebration followed by a video presentation on the key messages relevant to this year’s theme.
In his message, OIC Gatan encouraged everyone to participate in various nutrition related activities, not only during Nutrition Month but all throughout the year.
The regional directors of the line agencies also expressed their commitment and support for the Nutrition Month this year through recorded video messages included in the presentation. Director IV of DOH-Center for Health Development 1 (DOH-CHD1) Valeriano Jesus V. Lopez graced the virtual launching and strongly emphasized that DOH and NNC together with its partners will continue its fight in its war against malnutrition particularly stunting in the region not only on July but all year-round through implementation of various nutrition programs.
“Ang tema ng Buwan ng Nutrisyon ngayong taon ay alinsunod sa layunin ng RA 11148 o ang Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act na mabigyan ng sapat na serbisyong pangkalusugan at nutrisyon ang mga nanay at ang kanilang mga anak sa kanilang unang isang libong araw sa pamamagitan ng mga iba’t ibang programa na magbibigay ng sapat na serbisyo at suporta para sa kanilang kalusugan.” he said.
A live press conference followed right after the said video presentation. Dr. Rheuel Bobis, Medical Officer IV and Ms. Jovita Leny Calaguas, Nutritionist-Dietitian IV of DOH CHD I, Ms. Amily Dulay, LGOO V of DILG-ROI, Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste of Alaminos City, Pangasinan and Mr. Kendall Pilgrim Gatan served as the panelists in the said activity.
During the discussion, Mayor Celeste point out the importance of the First 1000 days of a child and the progress of the ECCD-F1K program being piloted in their city.
“Itong first 1000 days ay kailangan talagang bigyan ng importansya ng ating mga LGUs dahil this will influence the next generation of the population pagdating ng panahon na sila ay magpapalit ng mga mamamayan sa isang lungsod o sa isang bayan” he added.
Ms. Anne Hazel Flores of PIA-I and Mr. Jay Miguel Mendoza, Station Manager of DZRD and President of KBP Pangasinan acted as moderators.
KBP Pangasinan Chapter assisted in the live broadcast of the activity.
Around 12000 netizens from the whole country participated and watched the launching. Some of the queries include breastfeeding and pregnancy in relation to COVID-19 and different activities of the NNC-ROI and DOH CHD I in relation to first 1000 days.
The activity aims to create awareness on Nutrition Month theme focusing on stunting and possible effects and nutrition in relation to COVID-19. /CPF
