Dr. Leonor M. Nuñez-Daite, MPH, CFP, is the Municipal Health Officer (MHO) and also designated as Municipal Nutrition Action Officer (MNAO) of the Municipality of Roxas, Oriental Mindoro. She started her journey as MNAO on June 1, 1995.
At first, she worked as a resident physician of Roxas District Hospital (RDH) for four years from August 1987 and eventually transferred to the Rural Health Unit as Municipal Health Officer for almost three decades now (1991 to date). Roxas then is one of the worst performers in Oriental Mindoro. She had instilled improvements and worked harder together with the other health and nutrition staff and other stakeholders. Through her leadership, they were able to uplift and boost the local health system. All these endeavors and undertakings were recognized by the Municipal Mayor that time and on June 1, 1995, she was chosen and designated as the Municipal Nutrition Action Officer (MNAO). The Local Nutrition Program at that point in time has no concrete, tangible, and distinct existing nutrition program implementation. She started from scratch with no structure, and even the knowledge and skills of the know-how to go about it. All she had that time on hand is that piece of paper of appointment. With perseverance, she started bit by bit, slowly but surely devised strategies, upgraded learning through interviews, adopting and enhancing good practices of other performers and attending training sessions related to nutrition. Since then, she learned to love health and nutrition programs and has become her LIFE!
As a nutrition advocate, Dr. Daite realized that the key to one’s success is creating a friendly environment, with open communication, links, particularly with all partners, members and stakeholders. Win their support, commitments and concerted efforts towards the attainment of goals in unified one direction is crucial and a means in improving the nutritional situation in our locality. An example of a success story is the creation of an expanded Municipal Nutrition Committee wherein during an MNC meeting, all Chairmen of 20 barangays are included. They were able to communicate one-step ahead, share ideas, correspond with one another and easily resolve significant issues and concerns re: nutrition program implementation.
Program implementation in all aspects is not easy, not as smooth sailing or in accord with what one wished and desired. There are many challenges that one will be encountering along the way. What is important is to acknowledge one’s shortcomings, find ways and means to further improve oneself so as to avoid committing the same misstep.
As a final message to her local co-nutrition workers, Dr. Daite believed that being in the nutrition service is not by chance and there is a greater reason behind it. “Not everybody was given the same opportunity to serve, so make the most of it. Keep up the good doings for a better quality of life for everyone. For all the Local Chief Executives and other nutrition champions, continue your untiring support and commitment to the program and of course “MALASAKIT PARA SA LAHAT” with no reservations”.
Dr. Daite was recognized as Regional Outstanding Municipal Nutrition Action Officer for 2019 during the 2021 Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony held on 23 November 2021 at the Oracle Hotel and Residences, Quezon City. She virtually received the award through Zoom Application.
Written by: NO III Maria Camille Louise C. Chen and the Municipal Nutrition Committee of Roxas, Oriental Mindoro
