This year's Nutrition Month celebration with the theme “New Normal sa Nutrisyon, sama-samang gawan ng solusyon!” calls for strengthened nutrition interventions and solidarity towards nutrition improvement as the country shifts towards living with the COVID-19 virus. To conclude its 48th Nutrition Month campaign in the municipality, the Local Government of Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte successfully held its Culminating Activity last July 26, 2022. The event aims to promote good nutrition as part of pandemic resilience strategies and to expand multi-sectoral engagement to scale up nutrition interventions in the municipality.
The aforementioned event was participated by a total of 260 participants. Among these are the Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), Barangay Nutrition Scholars, midwives, and nurses together with the presence of the guest speakers and panel of judges in the persons of the ZDN Nutritionist-Dietitian II Ms. Rosita R. Gonzales, RND, NNC9 Development Management Officer II Ms. Rowence F. Zorilla, RND, Gutalac National High School –Senior High Coordinator Ms. Claire G. Miranda, RN, and Gutalac I District School Nurse Ms. Hazel G. Acas, RN. The Municipal Mayor Hon. Eddie T. Quimbo together with the Vice Mayor and other members of the Municipal Nutrition Committee were also present during the event.
The activity was highlighted with Agri-Food Display. The display of the various agricultural and local products from the different barangays of the Municipality of Gutalac shows the different food groups that we must eat to have a healthy body… the Go, Grow and Glow Foods. They have also shown their creativity and uniqueness in building their booth by using indigenous materials. The five clustered barangays have also prepared nutritious and delicious foods that were judged according to their palatability, nutrition value, originality of the menu, visual appearance, and ease of preparation. The Municipal Nutrition Office headed by the MNAO Ms. Mishera Suana had also prepared a nutritious meal for all participants especially the children 12 years old and above.
As many activities transpired during the event, the residents of Gutalac have also showcased their talents in singing, dancing, slogan, and poster making. Meanwhile, the Nutri-jingle was participated by Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs), midwives, and nurses and at the same time, the slogan and poster-making contests were participated by the youth ages 13 to 17 years old. A search for a Healthy Baby was also conducted. All winners and non-winning participants received cash prizes and certificates. The Municipal Mayor, Hon. Quimbo expressed his gratitude to all the guests, facilitators, and participants for showing their dedication and efforts in making the activity memorable and successful. He ended his message by calling everyone to take part and be actively involved in ending hunger and malnutrition in their locality to contribute to the greater whole for a better and healthy Philippines!
-DMO II Rowence F. Zorilla, RND
