Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, January 7
The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 02 said 2013 has been an accomplishment-laden year as it vowed to continue its landmark programs and projects this year.
Rhodora G. Maestre, NNC- Region 02 Nutrition Program Coordinator said at least three new nutrition policies and programs were developed including a resolution passed by the regional nutrition committee on the adoption of the nutritional guidelines for Filipinos and its communication plan.
“We formulated guidelines for the establishment of ASIN checkpoints and a resolution which supports the Magna Carta for Barangay Nutrition Scholars”, she said.
The year in review likewise saw a massive training for some 2,467 midwives, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, Barangay Health Workers and parent leaders on Infant and Young Child Feeding in the barangay with a combined allocation of Php 6,640,800.00 for the four provinces of the region except for Batanes who was given full funding in 2012 in the amount of Php 351,600.00.
While NNC provided various trainings for nutrition and health workers, Information and Education Campaign (IEC) materials were distributed.
Aside the local government units and other stakeholders, Maestre likewise zeroed in on the continuing assistance and support provided by the local media through the Balay Ni Ifan Task Force established five years ago. The Task Force gave birth to the establishment of Batang Radyo Sa Nutrisyon for Cagayan Valley with seven groups as of this report.
Using the various media outlets including electronic media, NPC Maestre added, has maximized to the fullest radio, cable stations and print even as it organized special events in the entire region. Among these include a Gutom at Malnutrition Caravan, Buntis Congress, Nutrition Awarding Ceremonies, Batang Radyo Congress and a Nutri- kalesa Painting Contest.
“While we cannot discount the support of our local officials towards all programs in nutrition, the media has played a rather very significant role in the pursuit of all these programs and projects”, the Nutrition Program Coordinator added.
As the year of the Wooden Horse is ushered, Maestre expressed hope the same fervor, which lead to national recognitions, will be see among most of the stakeholders in the name of nutrition.
