2014 June 23 – 27, Taguig City – NNC Calabarzon together with the central office and other regional offices celebrated the NNC’s 40^th anniversary with the theme – “Reunited, Staying Together and Moving Forward.”  NNC Calabarzon showcased their regional products, showed off their prowess, and developed camaraderie through participation in the activities during the 5-day celebration.

Mouthwatering delicacies from Calabarzon Region were showcased during the regional food showcase held on the first three days of the celebration. Among the products exhibited, the Kapeng Barako from Batangas Province became the crowd favorite.

Camaraderie was established by the NNC Calabarzon staff with their colleagues during the team building held on the celebration’s second day. The said activity not only let the employees enjoy but also let them understand and appreciate the NNC core values – Integrity, Zeal, Excellence, Sensitivity and Transparency.

On the third day, NNC Calabarzon cheered to the 40 years of the institution as they joined the launching of the NNC coffee table book entitled “NNC: Nurturing the Filipino Towards a Stronger Nation.” This book takes account of NNC’s accomplishments over the years and served as recognition to the efforts of everyone who lived up to the NNC’s vision and mission. Also during the event, a message from Department of Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona was imparted through Assistant Secretary Gerardo V. Bayugo. Secretary Ona emphasized the role of nutrition in the national development particularly in nurturing the nutritional well-being of the Filipinos. In the end, Secretary Ona congratulated everyone especially Assistant Secretary of Health and NNC Executive Director Maria-Bernardita T. Flores on the NNC’s 40^th Anniversary and expressed his confidence on the agency’s unwavering excellent achievements.

The next day gave way for the NNC Calabarzon staff to showcase their talents as they join the Pasiklaban. Mr. Rey Del Rosario represented the region in the NNC Got Talent with his piece “I am Grateful.” On the other hand, the NNC Calabarzon staff headed by RNPC Carina Z. Santiago together with the NNC Mimaropa, NNC Bicol Region and NNC NCR exhibited their prowess as they present the accomplishments of NNC during the 70’s.

On the last day of the weeklong celebration, NNC Calabarzon hosted the Heritage and Cultural Visit of the whole NNC family to the Laguna Province. They toured famous places in the province including the Bahay ni Rizal in Calamba City, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery, and the Municipality of Liliw, Laguna. They also dined at the famous Isdaan and Palaisdaan Restaurant. More importantly, everyone had the chance to meet the Laguna province Governor Ramil L. Hernandez, Mayor Nelson Osuna of Nagcarlan, Laguna and Vice Mayor Roseller H. Rizal of Calamba City.

The anniversary celebration not only made the whole NNC family to enjoy but also ignited each and everyone’s heart to serve the agency and the country better through excellent public service. Indeed, the NNC family is reunited, staying together and moving forward for a better nation.