The whole nation celebrates the month of July as the Nutrition Month pursuant to Section 7 of Presidential Decree 491, known as the Nutrition Act of the Philippines. The month-long celebration encompasses a different nutrition-focused theme every year to create greater awareness among the public on the importance of nutrition.
In response, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 5 led the Regional Launching of the 40th observance of Nutrition Month held last 1 July 2014 at Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC), Nabua Camarines Sur with the theme: “Kalamidad paghandaan: Gutom at malnutrisyon agapan!” (Prepare for emergencies to prevent hunger and malnutrition!). Since the Philippines has pre-existing condition of malnutrition that can be worsened by emergencies and disasters, the theme was focused on Nutrition in Emergencies (NiEm) to foster preparedness and engagement within the community and to promote strategies on how to improve recovery from disaters.
“Because of Bicol’s stubborn under-nutrition statistics, this launching is also a declaration of war against hunger and malnutrition", Atty. Fernando D. Simbulan, Nabua’s Municipal Administrator said in his Welcome Remarks.
Supported by the members of Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG) and Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) from DSWD, DOST, DepEd, Intervida Philippines Foundation (NGO), and DBM together with C/MNAOs and DCNPCs of Camarines Sur, the successful launching convened over 200 participants composed of representatives from various sectors: faculty members and students of CSPC, nurses, midwives and the members of the City and Barangay Nutrition Committees from Iriga City and Rinconada areas - Baao, Buhi, Bula, Balatan, Bato and Nabua. Nabua Vice Mayor Ramiro Felipe L. Fortuna IV and other officials from private and government agencies also attended the said activity.
Ms. Arlene R. Reario, NNC RO 5 Nutrition Program Coordinator, discussed the 2014 Nutrition Month theme focusing on the interventions to address nutritional needs and mobilization of the responders particularly of the local nutrition clusters and other stakeholders in emergencies and disasters. Also, she presented the coping and resiliency strategies for families and individuals in order to prevent malnutrition and worsening of nutritional status during man-made and natural disasters.
Considering that half of the Bicol region is prone to floods and landslides, Engr. Dan R. Ragodon, Hydrologist of Bicol River Flood Forecasting and Warning Center in the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical And Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), shared information about the Floods, Warning System and Flood Preparedness providing a unique platform to discuss safety rules and strategies to mitigate flood. Also, Engr. Ragodon presented the flood prone areas in the Bicol Region specifically the landslide prone municipalities and barangays in Camarines Sur such as low-lying villages, near river channels, shorelines and mountain slopes.
Led by the RNC members, at the end of the activity, the participants, partners and other stakeholders recited their Pledge of Commitment to unite their efforts across disciplines and sectors to ensure that no life will be further threatened by malnutrition and food insecurity before, during and after a disaster.
RD Cells of DBM in her closing remarks challenged everyone to be always ready and prepared particularly during emergencies. She said that malnutrition and hunger is everybody’s concern and all should work towards reducing this.
