By: Bernadeth Macaraeg and Linette Blanco
CITY OF ILAGAN- The National Nutrition Council Region 02 (NNC R-02) in partnership with the City Nutrition Committee of City of Ilagan (CNC-Ilagan) welcomed first 1000 days in a Joint Regional Nutrition Committee and City Nutrition Committee of the City of Ilagan Launching of the 42nd Nutrition Month Celebration last July 1 at Ilagan City Community Center.
This year’s theme, “First 1000 days ni baby pahalagahan para sa malusog na kinabukasan,” focuses in proper nutrition intervention from the day of the conception until the second birthday of a child. Moreover, a total of 300 participants attended the celebration mostly pregnant and lactating, hence NNC R-02 and the CNC Ilagan prepared activities beneficial to them. Also, Director Milagros Morales, Chair, Regional Nutrition Committee, PNAO’s and CNAO’s of different provinces and cities, City of Ilagan Department Heads, BNS Federation Officers, students and Non-Government Organizations (NGO) were present in the affair.
The celebration kicked off with a presentation and orientation of the theme by Ms. Ma. Gisela M. Lonzaga, Nutrition Officer III-NNC R-02, she explained the concept of First 1000 days. Further she emphasized that the first 1000 days is the period of rapid growth where nutrient deficiencies can have long-term consequences. “Good nutrition during this period can help maximize the child’s ability to grow, learn and develop. It is globally recognized as the “golden window of opportunity” for nutrition and related interventions to have a positive impact on the child’s physical and mental development,” she added.
Then, Ms. Benjielyne E. Pagulayan, Nurse and Educator, shared her breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices that inspired the audience to follow her path towards their first 1000 days challenge. She got emotional as she reminisce the hardships that she encountered in her journey to assure that Riley (her daughter) should be exclusively breastfed. She also expressed her gratitude to the people who supported her, especially her husband, in this endeavor.
In addition, as one of the highlights of the program the NNC R-02 together with the various NGOs launched its Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) movement in the region. Ms. Rhodora G. Maestre, Nutrition Program Coordinator-NNC R-02, oriented the participants about the SUN and how important it is in order to eliminate all forms of malnutrition. “By working together as a movement, we can achieve much more that our own,” she stressed.
With her achievements as an advocate of providing good nutrition in her town, Ms Maria Olivia B. Pascual, President of Rotary Club of Nueva Segovia, led the pledge of commitment to end all forms of Malnutrition together with other NGOs who were present during the event.
Lastly, in her closing remarks, Dr. Herbee M. Barrios, City Nutrition Action Officer-City of Ilagan, expressed her gratitude to the participants and organizers in coming with an event like this in their city. The Celebration marks also the recognition of the city as the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) award as evaluated by the Regional Nutrition Evaluation last month. “We the City Nutrition Committee of the City of Ilagan are committed to continue providing quality nutrition services, helping our malnourished children with their families and envisioned to end malnutrition through the leadership of our newly elected mayor, Hon. Evelyn Diaz,” she ended.
On the other hand, various activities such as poster making contest (city and regional level) and complementary food parade also took center stage. The following are the winners:
Poster Making Contest (City Level)
1. 1st Winner– Jan Mico D. Canceran, (Barangay Sta. Barbara) – Php 2,000.00
2. 2nd Winner– Jenny Ann Balino (Barangay Alibagu) – Php 1,500.00
3. 3rd Winner– Reden S. Castillo (Barangay Cab. 17-21) - Php 1,000.00
Poster Making Contest (Regional Level)
1. 1st Winner – Province of Quirino – PhP 2,000.00
2. 2nd Winner – Province of Nueva Vizcaya – Php 1,500.00
3. 3rd Winner – Province of Quirino - PhP 1,000.00
Complementary Food Parade
1. 1st Winner – BNS – Analyn Cabairo and Eunice Mangusib – Php 2,000.00
(Northeastern Cluster – Brgy. Tangcul)
2. 2nd Winner – BNS - Arnel Paulino – Php 1,500.00
(San Antonio Cluster - Brgy Cab. 5)
3. 3rd Winner – BNS - Ceferina Maramag and Mother - Manilyn Bacsal- Php 1,000.00
(Northeastern Cluster – Brgy Capo)
