On June 25, 1974, Presidential Decree No. 491 or the Nutrition Act of the Philippines was promulgated by then-President Ferdinand Marcos, creating and making the National Nutrition Council as the highest policy-making and coordinating body on nutrition. Its vision is to ensure the nutritional well-being of all Filipinos, recognized locally and globally, and led by a team of competent and committed public servants.

On its 46^th year serving the Filipino people, the National Nutrition Council celebrated its 46^th anniversary online through google meet on 25 June 2020. More than 140 participants from all over the country flashed their smiles on the screen to greet their co-nutrition workers a Happy 46^th Anniversary!

At 1:30 in the afternoon, Rev. Fr. Gregorio Bicomong, Jr. SDB presided the ecumenical celebration via Facebook live where the participants were able to listen to the eucharistic celebration.  This was followed by a very heart-warming welcome message from NNC’s Executive Director Dr. Azucena M. Dayanghirang. In her speech, Dr. Dayanghirang greeted everyone a Happy 46^th Anniversary and thanked everyone for their heart-filled service to NNC and to the Filipino people to ensure their nutrition well-being.

Everyone was happy to witness Ms. Chona M. Fernandez of the Administrative Division when she presented the awards for the long years of service of Ms. Wilma D. Cruz, Administrative Aide VI of the Nutrition Policy and Planning Division and Nutrition Program Coordinator Ms. Arlene R. Reario of Region V. Both of the awardees contributed much to the National Nutrition Council as Ms. Cruz served for 40 years whereas Ms. Reario served for 35 years.

For 46 years, the mission of the National Nutrition Council is to orchestrate the efforts of government, private sector, international organizations and other stakeholders at all levels, in addressing hunger and malnutrition of Filipino through policy and program formulation and coordination, capacity development, promotion of good nutrition, nutrition surveillance, resource generation and mobilization, advocacy, and partnership and alliance building. And throughout the years, the National Nutrition Council was able to and is still continuing to initiate and implement projects, programs, and activities to achieve its mission. This includes the Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) Program and the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN).

Few more years before its Golden Anniversary, the management of the National Nutrition Council and its regional staff is committed to continue serving the Filipino people.

From the National Nutrition Council Regional Office 9, we would like to greet the National Nutrition Council family a Happy 46^th Anniversary!

AA VI Cielo Katrina M. Mabalot