This year's Nutrition Month celebration with the Theme, "New Normal na Nutrisyon, Sama-Samang Gawan ng Solusyon," the LGU Bato's Nutrition Office spearheaded by Ms. Donnabelle Yee Tejada, deemed it appropriate to hold a three-day (3) BNAP Formulation Workshop on 25-27 July 2022, with the goal of involving stakeholders from the barangay level in their nutrition program planning and development. Three representatives from each of the 27 barangays were invited to form the core team during the planning workshop. Ms. Jessica A. Sesalim, NNC ROV's PNFP for Catanduanes, facilitated the activity with technical assistance from the DOH RND assigned in Bato, Ms. Donna Mae P. Bozar. It was a fast-paced activity that demonstrated the participants' eagerness to learn.
A culminating activity held on 28 July 2022, aim to conclude the three-day (3) BNAP Formulation Workshop. Mayor Juan T. Rodulfo was present during the NM Culmination and Awarding Ceremony, and he emphasized in his message the municipal officials' commitment to the nutrition program implementation in the municipality of Bato. He and the SB Chairman of the Committee on Health disclosed that Bato will be providing additional incentive for the BNSs, which was welcome and happy news for the volunteers. Mayor Rodulfo also expressed his gratitude to the volunteer workers and the staff of the Nutrition/DRRM Office.
Ms. Marilyn C. Valeza, Officer in Charge of the National Nutrition Council's Regional Office V graces the event and spoke at the culminating activity about the significance of this year's Nutrition Month Theme, which focused on the role of resilience in battling and recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how "Catandunganons" can better survive in the new normal. Ms. Valeza also spoke about how proper nutrition in the First 1000 Days can have a significant impact on the individual's health and immunity, and lauded the efforts of the local government of Bato, Catanduanes for consistently maintaining their low prevalence of malnutrition in the province. She also urged other stakeholders to join the fight against malnutrition, and she ended her speech by congratulating the participants to the planning-workshop, who applauded in response.
In closing, MLGOO VI Joel Maglaqui reminded the barangay officials and nutrition volunteers of their legal responsibilities and the importance of recently conducted Barangay Nutrition Planning-workshop with budget allocation taken from the barangay Internal Revenue Allotment Fund. He also provided several suggestions on how the barangay can raise funds to carry out their plans. He issued a challenge to the people of Bato to maintain their performance in terms of nutrition program implementation, which were readily accepted by the participants and barangay officials led by the Barangay Captains.
After the short program, tokens and certificates were given to the participants and guests. The PNAO of Catanduanes, Ms. Marites M. Curativo and other PNC staff were also present to show their support during the event. (PNFP JAS/MCCH/OIC MCV)
