National Nutrition Council - MIMAROPA, in cooperation with the Palawan, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque and Occidental Mindoro Nutrition Communicators (PROMO Nutri Com) conducted the 2021 MIMAROPA Regional Nutrition Month (NM) Launching and Virtual Presser on 1 July 2021 via Zoom Application and streamed live on NNC MIMAROPA's Facebook page. An estimated total of 200 participants from both platforms attended and took part in the live activity.
Ms. Nichole Kate S. Loyola, Nutrition Officer from NNC MIMAROPA, and Mr. Voltaire Dequina, Information Center Manager, PIA Occidental Mindoro, and President, PROMO Nutri Com served as hosts.
Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator and Officer-in-Charge Ms. Ma. Eileen B. Blanco delivered the welcome remarks, highlighting the importance of interventions in the First 1000 Days of life in contributing to the alleviation of the triple burden of malnutrition the country is experiencing. An overview of the 2021 Nutrition Month was given by Ms. Maria Camille Louise C. Chen, Nutrition Officer III, NNC MIMAROPA, tackling salient points and background on the NM theme. Sharing of good practices along the First 1000 Days continuum was discussed by Ms. Edna V. Ayaton, barangay nutrition scholar from Puerto Princesa City and Vice President, MIMAROPA BNS Federation which aimed to encourage other local implementers.
Various messages of support from prime nutrition movers and nutrition champions in the MIMAROPA Region were featured in the activity, including Hon. Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco, House Speaker and Marinduque District Representative. The Chair of the Regional Nutrition Committee and Regional Director of the Department of Health Center for Health Development MIMAROPA Dr. Mario S. Baquilod also prepared a message, which was delivered by Dr. Mathew Medrano, Medical Officer III and Head of the Family Health Cluster.
Governor Jose R. Riano of Romblon, who concurrently serves as the Chair of the MIMAROPA Regional Development Committee, also shared his message of support through Chief of Staff Mr. Ronald M. Geronimo, representing the local chief executives in the region. This was followed by a message from the Chair of the Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team Mr. Mark Angelo R. Lorenzo, Nutritionist-Dietitian IV, DOH CHD MIMAROPA.
All regional associations - Nutrition Action Officers Association of the Philippines (NAOPA), District/City Nutrition Program Coordinators Association of the Philippines (DCNPCAP), and the Federation of Barangay Nutrition Scholars (FBNS) MIMAROPA also declared their support to the 2021 Nutrition Month cause through their presidents Dr. Leonor N. Daite, Ms. Ana Lualhati M. Hernandez, and Ms. Ramona G. Fortuna, respectively. Lastly, Ms. Melanie B. Ronquillo, Information Officer III of PIA MIMAROPA and Board of Director of the PROMO NutriCom delivered a message of support representing the regional media group.
Towards the end, Ms. Bianca Louise Veronica M. Estrella, Nutrition Officer II of NNC MIMAROPA shared the 2021 Regional Nutrition Month Activities, mechanics of which will be posted on the NNC MIMAROPA website and Facebook page. Mr. Ace Van Earl T. Patriarca served as the game master for ice breakers including "Find the NutriWord" and Sharer's raffle, to which 40 individuals won.
A pledge of commitment was led by NPC Blanco and virtually signed by the participants. NNC MIMAROPA is beyond grateful for the outpouring of support from the Regional Directors, local chief executives nutrition workers and advocates who took time to join our virtual event.
Written by: NO III Camille Chen and NO II Bianca Estrella
