Region IV-A

Details: Category: Region 4a; Published: 05 February 2015

30 – 31 January 2015 – The Communicators’ Network for Nutrition in Region IV-A (CNN-4A) started the year in high spirits as they discussed achievements in 2014 and plans for 2015. Some 19 public information officers and media practitioners gathered at the Tagaytay Haven in Tagaytay City for the 1^st Quarter CNN-4A Meeting, series 2015.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the passage of a Board resolution amending some provisions of the By Laws and Articles of Incorporation approved by the SEC in October 2014 to include the following: a) Term of office of officers to be 3 years and to coincide with the term of office of LCEs; 2) addition of Officers such as a Vice-President for Print Media; Vice-President for On-line Media; Vice-President for Broadcast; Assistant Secretary; and Assistant Treasurer; 3) collection of quarterly dues of Php 100.00 and one-time membership of Php 200.00; c) open a CNN-4A bank account; and d) procure TIN No. for CNN-4A.

The group also discussed plans for the year to include a General Assembly to coincide with the 3^rd year Anniversary of the group; conduct of Media Service Caravan in areas with non-functional nutrition committees and nutritionally depressed areas; Fun Run during Nutrition Month to campaign for addressing Obesity by all; Capability Building Workshop for the members on Public Speaking and Newsletter Layouting; and a twice a year CNN-4A news magazine to highlight accomplishments of the CNN-4A and the LGUs in the region, as well as promote messages on good nutrition. The group also committed for the widest dissemination of the 10 Kumainments in their respective LGUs through print, radio and TV plugs and Nutrition School-on-the-Air, Light-emitting diode (LED) display, newsletters, and the like.

Other highlights of the Meeting included the Technical Hour(s) which discussed the following: 1) Results of the 8^th National Nutrition Survey; 2) Communication Strategy of the 10 Kumainments and the Guidelines on the Use of the 10 Kumainments Collaterals; and 3) Pinggang Pinoy.

Finally, the 2-day activity was capped by a visit to the region’s Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Committee, and home to the 2013 National Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar, Barangay Maharlika East in Tagaytay City.Barangay Chair, Honorable Joel M. Tibayan oriented the group on the various programs, projects and activities, including their innovative projects and toured them in Purok 97, where the Home of Nutrition is lodged, and where a new project, the vertical gardens are located.

Details: Category: Region 4a; Published: 11 February 2014

25 July 2014 – The Calabarzon Regional Nutrition Cluster members, together with the Nutrition Cluster Coordinator and RNPC Carina Z. Santiago and Staff conducted rapid nutrition assessment among infants and young children as well as IYCF counseling to mothers and guardians in the evacuation centers in Barangay Parian and Pansol in Calamba City and Barangay Masaya and Tranca in Bay, Laguna.

Having discussed during the emergency meeting held the day before, the Regional Nutrition Cluster went to fulfill their functions and duties by providing nutrition response to the people situated in the said evacuation centers. The cluster members measured the mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of the children to identify their nutritional status. They have identified two (2) moderate acute malnourished (MAM) children among the 26 children assessed, where they were later referred to proper authorities. On the other hand, the importance of breastfeeding specifically during disasters was emphasized to the lactating mothers and more so to those seen currently bottle-feeding their young ones, during one-on-one counselling by the Cluster members.

After the visit to the evacuation centers, the Regional Nutrition Cluster talked about the response and processed their experience. Suggestions and recommendations were presented for further improvement of the group’s response during disasters.

Details: Category: Region 4a; Published: 06 August 2014

NNC Calabazron poses during the 40th anniversary celebration 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.

Details: Category: Region 4a; Published: 11 August 2014

NNC Calabarzon convenes a meeting and discuss response operations in the Glenda-affected communities in the region 24 July 2014 – When Typhoon Glenda struck the Philippines in July 2014, one of the hardest hit regions was Calabarzon, specifically in the provinces of Quezon, Laguna and Cavite. Thus, the NNC Calabarzon convened a meeting of the Regional Nutrition Cluster to discuss response operations in the Glenda-affected communities in the region. The meeting was held at the Fernando Generics Hall, DOH Regional Office IV-A, Quirino Memorial Medical Center Compound, Quezon City.

Details: Category: Region 4a; Published: 06 August 2014

13 June 2014 – the Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) together with the National Nutrition Council Calabarzon staff deliberated on the results of the evaluation conducted in line with the Search for the Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (ROBNS) 2013 at the 3^rdFloor Conference Room, Center for Health Development IV-A Building, Quirino Memorial Medical Center Compound, Project 4, Quezon City.

The RNET members reviewed and assessed the performance of each BNS contender through the evaluation forms and as well as the examination, and finally declared Ms. Efigenia Javier of Barangay Maharlika East, Tagaytay City as the Regional Outstanding BNS (ROBNS) garnering a score of 96.0%. Though it was the very first time for BNS Javier to compete, the RNET saw her potential as an outstanding volunteer worker, implementing quality nutrition programs and projects in their communitywith the able support of the Barangay Nutrition Committee.

NPC Carina Santiago and RNET Vice-Chair Precilla Escalante of DSWD Calabarzon along with the rest of the RNET members are hopeful that BNS Javier will bring home the 2014 NOBNS title. As finalist for the Search for the National Outstanding BNS 2013, BNS Javier will be evaluated by the National Evaluation Team in August 2014.

Details: Category: Region 4a; Published: 06 August 2014

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)