Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro – The National Nutrition Council MIMAROPA spearheaded the 2022 Regional Nutrition Month Ceremonial Activity last 19 July 2022 at the Arya Abra Gymnasium, in collaboration with the municipality of Abra de Ilog, Provincial Nutrition Office of Occidental Mindoro, and Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH CHD) MIMAROPA. The municipality of Abra de Ilog was chosen by the RNC MIMAROPA as it is considered the convergence area regionwide.
A biker's parade was conducted and led by Former Mayor Eric Constantino, with the theme “Arangkada MIMAROPA! Padyak Tungo sa New Normal”. 35 bikers wore the official nutrition month shirt and underwent guyabano tree planting activity at the Agroforestry area project of Sitio Pambutan, Brgy. San Vicente.
Mr. Voltaire N. Dequina of PIA Occidental Mindoro and President of PROMO Nutrition Communicators, served as moderator during the activity. Mayor Maria Gloria M. Constantino, RNPC-OIC Maria Eileen B. Blanco, PNAO Dr. Arceli T. Rebong, DMO IV Dr. Ramon C. Bombais (in behalf of DOH MIMAROPA RD Dr. Mario S. Baquilod, MPH), MHO Dr. John Paul Balbuena, EA V Rexcel Tucsano (in behalf of Governor Gadiano), COF of Convoy of Hope, Inc., Philippines Mr. Luis Sasuman, and MNAO Jessa R. Obrador were present. All ten (10) barangays were well-represented by Punong Barangays, Kagawad on Health, Rural Health Midwives, Nurses, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, Barangay Health Workers, and Indigenous Peoples Members. Additionally, the RTWG MIMAROPA was represented by DILG MIMAROPA, DSWD MIMAROPA, and BFAR MIMAROPA.
Moreover, newly elected Mayor Maria Gloria Constantino welcomed all participants. PDOHO Dr. Ramon Bombais representing RNC Chair and CHD Regional Director in his opening remarks stressed that malnutrition remains a problem in the province and needs to be addressed with doable and effective interventions. Through the inspirational message of Dr. Balbuena, it was shared that he was once a survivor of severe acute malnutrition due to poverty back when he was in high school. With the power of combined nutrition education, healthy lifestyle, and determination, he is now a healthy and persevering municipal health officer of the municipality.
NPC-OIC Blanco then detailed the 2022 Nutrition Month salient points, and MNAO Obrador discussed the new normal nutrition best practices of their municipality. Further, messages of support were given by key persons previously mentioned, along with D/CNPCAP MIMAROPA President Mr. Raymond Medina, FBNS MIMAROPA President Ms. April Rubelyn L. Marasigan, EO V Mr. Tucson, SB on Health Mr. Subol, and Chief Mr. Sasuman.
NPC-OIC Blanco led the pledge of commitment and awarding of certificate of appreciation. As the morning session ends, select children of Brgy. Balao and all BNSs of the municipality separately performed to showcase their talents.
As part of the ceremonial activity, DOH CHD MIMAROPA opened their Nutri One Stop Shop composed of Nutrition Counselling, Active Case Finding of MAM and SAM, and Distribution of IEC Materials and Nutripacks, BFAR MIMAROPA exhibit their own produced cup noodles and pancit canton made of seaweeds. Finally, PDOHO gave COVID-19 vaccination to interested participants.
NNC MIMAROPA commits to work hand-in-hand with the municipality of Abra de Ilog for a more steadfast implementation of various nutrition programs and committed scale-up nutrition initiatives within the municipality.
Written by: PEO I Nichole Loyola
