By: Benjamin De Yro
Move over, professional radio broadcasters; make way for school children of Cagayan Valley region to likewise help the government in its information advocacies on nutrition.
In its 2019 Batang Radyo Sa Nutrition Congress held in Cauayan City, Isabela, an annual activity of the National Nutrition Council Region 2 the effectivity of these student-broadcasters came to fore and how.
Conceptualized seven years ago as a springboard of nutrition information messages through the eyes of a child, the National Nutrition Council in the region has since then conducted several congresses for these children.
In fact, the conduct of such successful annual activity is aimed to further boost the confidence and abilities of these young talents and to build a team spirit among them.
“Our aim is to emphasize the significance of putting an end to malnutrition and to promote good nutrition among school children towards a well -nourished communities,” Meggie Lonzaga, Regional Nutrition Coordinator said.
The program is in partnership with the Department of Education Region 2, the local government units, local radio stations and other partner agencies which opened an efficient and effective medium for nutrition information and education. It has been one of the weapons of the agency in Region 2 to combat malnutrition.
The Batang Radyo Sa Nutrisyon Congress has since then re-enforce the knowledge, skills and technical ability of the members in radio broadcasting and news writing as it encourages them to be role models in practicing and promoting good nutrition through actual radio broadcast. As a result, the camaraderie of the Batang Radyo was enhanced while they were provided with nutrition updates as nutrition advocates.
At the Cauayan City congress, various broadcast journalism topics were provided to the Batang Radio participants highlighted by competitive yet educational and fun-filled one- day activity.
Earlier during the day, Cauayan City Mayor Bernard Faustino M. Dy, Cauayan Nutrition Committee applauded the participants and acknowledged their role in the dissemination of nutrition related information in the city.
He also cited the efforts of NNC and DepEd on the activity in cooperation with partner agencies.
“The activity does not only hone the knowledge and skills of the young broadcasters but also their significant role in the nutrition campaign of our city,” he said.
Lonzaga cited DepEd Order No. 13, series of 2017, a policy and guidelines on healthy foods and beverage choices in schools and DepEd offices in a presentation. The order promotes and develop healthy food choices and eating habits among the school children.
“Demand for healthy food choices from your school canteens and cafeteria,” she urged the participants.
Also, Dr. Gilbert Tong, Division Superintendent of Cauayan City recognized the efforts and commitments of the different participating schools in living up to its purpose to disseminate up-to-date nutrition-related information.
Like the other previous congresses for the Batang Radyo, the congress in Cauayan features broadcast journalism lectures and workshops, a pageant, a radio broadcasting competition and talent showcase. The cities of Tuguegarao, Cauayan and Santiago joined participants from municipalities and provinces where the Batang Radyo groups have been organized.
“Our broadcasters have always anticipated this kind of Congress since we started organizing them. The support of course of stakeholders have been strong and encouraging,” Lonzaga added.
