LEGAZPI CITY – Assistant Secretary of Health Maria-Bernardita T. Flores and the participants of the 3rd National Nutrition Council Management Conference (NNC ManCon) were warmly welcomed in Legazpi City by NNC Bicol Staff and City Administrator Noel E. Rosal together with the Ibalong dance troupe last 28 August 2012.
The 3rd NNC ManCon was held at the Oriental Hotel on 28-31 August with the majestic Mt. Mayon as its scenic background. Mayor Cielo Krisel Lagman-Luistro showcased Tabaco City’s Nutrition programs and projects during the Lakbay Aral as she brought the group to the tourist destinations of the City – one of which was the Mayon Rest House – which nestled half-way of Mt. Mayon, where they were able to view a movie clip of the Legend of Mt. Mayon, tasted the zesty “ensaladang pako”, and took pictures with Mt. Mayon. During their City tour, they rode a “padyak”, visited the St. John the Baptist Church and bought goodies at the “Pasalubong Center” and “Nutripan sa Pamayanan”. In Malilipot, Albay Dairy Farm, chocolate flavored fresh cow’s milk and pandesal with white cheese delighted the guests. It was dark when they reached Legazpi City, so the Cagsawa Ruins trip was rescheduled Thursday afternoon, where they were taught different camera tricks. Bicolano dish such as pinangat, inulukan, pili and sili ice creams were also served as part of their meal.
As much as the group would rather have tour around the region, a big part of the stay in Bicol was for the Management Conference. On the last day, media in the public service was discussed with the group by Mr. Howell Mabalot and Skills Training on Dealing with Media by Mr. Howell V. Mabalot. Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda also joined the group on the last night of the conference, giving the group tips on how best to sell nutrition program among the local chief executives, being a nutrition champion himself.
A send-off party planned by the NNC Bicol staff was successfully held on their last night in Legazpi City wherein the Bicol University Magayon Dance Troupe overwhelmed the participants with their cultural folk dances. The Conference wrapped-up as the NNC staff serenaded the guest with the famous Bicol song “Sarung Banggi” as a way of showing gratitude for visiting Bicol.
