Radio is one of the most pervasive media in reaching out to people for information dissemination even at the far flung areas. Hence, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) utilizes radio through the Nutriskwela as a medium to promote good nutrition and improve nutrition status in the Philippines.

On 7-9 February 2017, the NNC conducted its 7th National Nutriskwela Conference in Hotel Supreme, Baguio City to intensify the operations of the community radio stations established in the entire Philippines. Present in the activity were 34 community radio stations, of which two came from Cagayan Valley, the Radyo Kalugaran in Claveria, Cagayan and Radyo Kayvayvayanan in Basco, Batanes.

The three-day event was graced by Hon. Mauricio Domogan, Chair of the City Nutrition Committee of Baguio and Dr. Azucena Dayanghirang, Deputy Executive Director of NNC. According to Hon. Domogan, media play an important role in the society as the ears, eyes, and mouth of the people who can and cannot see. Meanwhile, in her message, Dr. Dayanghirang emphasized the participants as a catalyst and agent of change for the betterment of the society.

As part of the program, the MQ MediaZone facilitated a human bingo game to develop camaraderie among participants. The bingo card used in the game contains questions which were answered by asking the fellow participants. By doing so, they were able to rub elbows with their peers at the same time familiarized with each other.

Further, there were five (5) sessions conducted which focused on the good practices of selected Nutriskwela Community Radio stations in terms of station management, sustaining partner support, station programming, effective radio council management, and Nutriskwela School-on-the-Air, among others.

After the sessions, participants prepared their actions plans for station programming, resource generation, technical resources, and sustainability of the station which were submitted to MQ Mediazone for consolidation and monitoring in mid of 2017.

The 2nd Nutriskwela Community Radio Awards was also conducted during the conference to recognize the top performing Nutriskwela Community Radio stations.

In closing, Assistant Secretary of Health Maria-Bernardita T. Flores, CESO II, Executive Director IV of the National Nutrition Council inspired the participants to love the Nutriskwela Community Radio.

Lastly, the conference ended with a city tour around Baguio City. Participants had a great time in picking fresh strawberries at Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad Benguet. They also visited the Tam-Awan Village to enjoy the beauty of the garden view deck and cultural heritage of the city. Moreover, they had a taste of the city’s native delicacies at Good Shepherd and experienced the foggy atmosphere at the Mines View Park. Participants experienced the warm welcome of every Cordillerans despite the cool breeze of the city. #jnlb