Quezon City –  Representatives from Occidental Mindoro bagged both Poster Making Contest and Makatang BNS: Tula para sa Nutrisyon Poem Writing Contest organized by National Nutrition Council - MIMAROPA in celebration of 2020 Nutrition Month with the theme, Batang Pinoy, Sana Tall… Iwas Stunting, Sama All! Iwas all din sa COVID-19!.

Contests were held simultaneously last 9 July 2020 across the region in coordination with the Provincial/City/Municipal Nutrition Action Officers and District/City Nutrition Program Coordinators. Deliberation of scores among the judges were held 3 August 2020, and winners were announced on NNC MIMAROPA’s Facebook page the next day.

Mr. Ken A. Agoncillo of Occidental Mindoro bested other LGU contestants and was hailed as the First placer with Php 5, 000.00 cash award. Mr. Agustin M. Basina Sr. of Romblon and Mr. Roy F. Remo of Puerto Princesa City as second and third placers, respectively.

Meanwhile, the poem writing contest – Makatang BNS: Tula para sa Nutrisyon was joined by selected Barangay Nutrition Scholars from provinces and cities. Ms. Jenelle T. Mabaquiao of Brgy. Central, San Jose Occidental Mindoro bagged the First place with Php 5,000.00 cash prize. Ms. Jean B. Capispisan from Brgy. Mat-i, Santa Fe, Romblon and Ms. Jasmin S. Sajul from Brgy. Malbog, Buenavista, Marinduque were awarded as second and third placers, respectively.

Despite of the current situation with COVID-19 pandemic, the NNC MIMAROPA was able to reach and create awareness within the region through these simple activities that were supported by the local government units. Even if the Nutrition Month has ended, the promotion of proper nutrition to address stunting and other nutrition-related problems is expected to continue throughout the year. (BLVMEstrella)