The local government of Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte in coordination with the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Regional office 9 launched the “Health and Nutrition School on the Air” (HANSOA) on 6 July 2020 with almost 120 enrollees. It is the LGU’s own version of the original Nutrition School on the Air (NSOA) of NNC which aims to promote and provide correct information on the importance of good nutrition and healthy lifestyle through the discussion of 10-Kumainments over the radio. Now with the conduct of HANSOA in the municipality of Siayan, the sessions on health programs and services are incorporated in the radio program every week. The HANSOA is aired in the Nutriswkela Community Radio – Radyo Kahupayan in the municipality of Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte which was established in May 2015.
During the launching of HANSOA, Mayor Josecor S. Gepolongca attended the activity to show his support on the health and nutrition programs in the municipality. He is very much thankful to NNC for the establishment of Radio Kahupayan for being the venue in bringing information on health and nutrition services closer to the people especially in this time of COVID-19 pandemic where everybody has the limitations to do things face to face. Likewise, Mayor Gepolongca also commended the Health and Nutrition personnel headed by Dr. Raymund Nadela, Muncipal Health Officer and Ms. Judalyn Dompales, Municipal Nutrition Action Officer for their initiatives in making the program possible even with the current situation. He also encouraged every Siayanons to actively participate and listen to HANSOA to learn more about health and nutrition. Indeed, through the conduct of HANSOA correct information are disseminated, and misconceptions are corrected.
The HANSOA does not only limit its audience to a few but it is open to the general public like students, mothers, caregivers, farmers and even professionals who wish to join and participate in the program. The radio program will run in 12 weeks and the targeted month for the graduation ceremony will be on October 2020.
With great hope of reaching even the farthest barangays in the municipality and even in the neighboring towns, HANSOA will provide simple and very understandable sessions to the audience especially to the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) which they can relate, follow and soon to apply all their learnings to their family and thereby contribute to the health and nutrition improvement in the community.
Congratulations and padayun to a healthy and productive Siayanons!
NO II Gabriel C. Tubigon
