Tuguegarao City-----“Malnutrition particularly stunting remains a problem in the region, let’s work hand in hand to alleviate malnutrition and further improve the nutrition situation in the region,” says newly elected Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC) chair, Director Valeriano Jesus Lopez, MD, MPH, MHA, CESO IV of the Department of Health, Region 02 in the recently conducted first quarter RNC meeting on 16 February 2017.

Director Lopez was unanimously voted as the new chair by 21 RNC members present in the meeting. In the said meeting, the RNC aims to deliver more effective and efficient nutrition programs in Cagayan Valley. The meeting was presided by Dr. Milagros Morales, outgoing RNC chair and Regional Director of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, R02.

In her opening and welcome remarks, Dr. Morales acknowledged the presence of members of RNC. She said, “This re-organization is very timely, this is a way for the members to choose freely and involve their agency in the organization and implementation of Nutrition Programs for our region.” She also congratulated Director Lopez after winning the chairmanship of RNC for 2017-2019.

Dr. Morales remain an officer of the RNC being elected vice chair while Mr. Romwell Morales of National Economic Development Authority was elected treasurer, and Ms. Nenita Yabis of Department of Agriculture and Mr. George Lorenzana of Philhealth were elected auditors.

Technical updates, RNC 2016 accomplishments and RNC Activities for 2017 were discussed by OIC NPC Maria Gisela M. Lonzaga, RNC secretary. #jnlb