15 July 2014 - National Nutrition Council (NNC) Calabarzon gathered nutrition action officers for a two day forum and workshop on nutrition in times of emergencies and disasters in line with the 2014 Nutrition Month themed “Kalamidad paghandaan: Gutom at malnutrisyon agapan” at the Makati Palace Hotel from July 14 to 15.

The forum highlighted the need for nutrition to be given high priority especially during times of disasters. Office of Civil Defense – Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (OCD-RDRRMC) Regional Director Vicente Tomazar, Department of Health – Health Emergency and Management Staff (DOH-HEMS) National Coordinator Dr. Ronald Law, NNC Nutrition Officer Margarita Enriquez, UNICEF Consultant Alex Iellamo, Save the Children Coordinator Dr. Amado Parawan, UNICEF Nutrition Information Management Officer Dominik Koppel and Laguna Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Teresita Silo-Ramos served as resource speakers on sharing good practices and expertise during disasters and calamities.

A workshop of the different Calabarzon LGUs was also conducted on the second day of the forum in order to formulate plans on implementing nutrition guidelines during calamities. LGU representatives created plans depending on the needs and attributes of their respective areas in order to formulate effective guidelines for nutrition in times of disaster. (PIA-Rizal)