November 13, 2019, the National Nutrition Council Regional Office 9 in coordination with the Dipolog City Nutrition Office conducted the Year 3 Nutrition School On the Air (NSOA) Graduation Ceremony. NSOA started in Dipolog City in 2017 2 years after the National Nutrition Council released the second volume of NSOA that aims to promote and educate the importance of good nutrition and healthy lifestyle thru the discussion of 10-Kumainments in the radio. It has 12 sessions and aired once a week in the local station of Dipolog City.
NSOA in Dipolog City started with 20 Graduates in year 1 and was doubled in year 2 with 41 graduates who completed the 12 sessions and the additional listeners who received certificate of participation for not completing but participated in the 12 sessions. Ms. Charmie A. Yu the City Nutrition Action Officer (CNAO) who also served as the Anchorwoman said that the program reached as far as Dumaguete City in Region VII and Region X in Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon but unfortunately listeners from the neighboring regions cannot join the graduation ceremony due to the distance,but for the next conduct of NSOA, CNAO Yu together with NNC will explore the possibilities of sending certificates to listeners through mail or emails recognizing their efforts for participating the program.
This year’s NSOA in Dipolog City hits 100% increase in number of graduates from 41 of last year to 81 this year. Hon. Marilou Y. Calibo, City Councilor and the Chair on Health and Nutrition Committee in Dipolog City represented Hon. Mayor Darel Dexter T. Uy for his inspirational message. She thanked the NNC for having this program that could reach even to the farthest barangays. Indeed, the program has a good impact to all since the number of graduates doubled as compared to the previous years. This means good impact, and that the previous graduates invited others to participate the NSOA which is a good way to disseminate and encourage the practice of good nutrition in the city. Likewise, it is in this program that correct information are disseminated and misconceptions are corrected.
OIC- Nutrition Program Coordinator Nimfa D. Ekong emphasized that for as long as transistor radio is widely available and even in cellphones with FM radio, it does not only limit the audience within the city proper but to the general public in the rural areas like students, mothers, caregivers, farmers and even professionals who wish to join and participate the program. OIC Ekong also thanked the graduates for the effort and for allocating time to listen to the program despite their family obligations and busy schedules doing household chores just to learn something about good nutrition. She hoped that through the learnings they had, they can also be instruments to help the NNC and the government to reach out to other people who might need proper advocacy and information about good nutrition.
Congratulations Graduates of the 2019 Nutrition School On the Air!
