by Benjamin De Yro
How informed are the region’s Barangay Nutrition Scholars and Barangay Health Workers on nutrition?
Impressive, says NNC Region 2 Coordinator Meggie Lonzaga during a nutrition quiz bee as part of the launching of nutrition month in Region 2 in Cabarroguis, Quirino.
“This affirms that our field workers are that knowledgeable in nutrition program management. They are really doing their job,” Lonzaga said.
The activity formed part of the various competitions held to drumbeat the nutrition month and included a slogan and poster-making contest participated by LGU employees and students.
Under this year’s theme of “New Normal Na Nutrisyon, Sama-Samang Gawan ng Solusyon,” various activities on social media were likewise launched to include a Tiktok contest for the various nutrition committees and featured creative ways to introduce the year’s theme. Tertiary students competed for documentary short films.
All winners of the various competitions will be awarded in a fitting culminating activity end of July.
The theme signified a transition for a better normal while building positive impact of the pandemic. It highlighted the key role of nutrition in building resilience from pandemic to endemic paradigm. Nutrition programs and projects in the country have been disrupted since the onset of the pandemic and took its toll on the rest of humanity.
In fact, the pandemic made Filipinos realized the importance of each other.
Both Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo Cua and DOH Region 2 Director Dr. Grace Santiago underscored on nutrition situation and zeroed in on the significance of the various sectors working together under a threatening health situation in their messages. As part of its mandate, BFAR region provided assistance to the host province’s fishery demo farm projects during the launching ceremonies.
Seedlings and seeds were distributed to target beneficiaries, too.
This year’s edition of the celebration maximized social media as medium of nutrition and health messages.
Under the full devolution, barangays have been tasked to further improve the nutrition and health situation of their own constituents and to likewise implement innovative programs and projects. Ergo, health and nutrition workers are a must work force in every barangay.
Like the previous celebrations, the various activities and events this year calls upon nutrition advocates to influence decision-makers to ensure that nutrition is part of the development agenda of the new administration.
At the end of the day, the power of old nutrition school can always be blended with the new one. Call that Filipino resiliency.
