July 26, 2022. Nuro Upi Maguindanao."Fiyo gefewen" we were greeted with beaming smiles in their colorful traditional costumes.

Nutrition was not taken for granted. Instead, the LGU led activities for people to support rallying behind every family’s contribution to lessen the burden of malnutrition of the two municipalities. According to Mayor Reynalbert O. Insular of South Upi, it shall be my legacy as I close my second term as the head of the town.  With Ministry of Health at the lead, the local 2021 OPT data has proved to be a testament of successful nutrition intervention of the locality.

Going north, former Mayor Ramon Piang Sr. insists that food security and provision of excellent health and nutrition services are the key to battle diseases, hunger and ill effects of malnutrition. The Local Government Units took a bold step to introduce trailblazing interventions including "UH My Gulay" program obliging local people to plant, nurture, produce, and eat their own vegetable products. There is no solicitation of vegetables but barter is allowed according to Mr. Paulo Tagara, the local administrator. With these, everybody becomes self-sufficient and reliant even in the midst of pandemic. Incumbent Mayor Rona Piang-Flores vowed to support and strengthen nutrition related programs through local action plans.

Consistent with the pronouncement of Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim to end all forms of malnutrition in the region, collaboration, coordination, and synchronized effort of all sectors both in the public and private offices, shall further our cause and objective.

Indeed, the two LGUs passed the month-long celebration with flying colors and impressive grade. Pasado! 

Author: NPC Kadil M. Sinolinding Jr., DPBO