18 January 2023-- The Province of Zamboanga del Norte (ZDN) successfully conducted their 1st Provincial Nutrition Summit at the Zamboanga del Norte Cultural and Sports Center, Estaka, Dipolog City. The aforementioned activity has a theme of “Zamboanga del Norte… Lusog-Busog: A Healthy Citizens for a Healthy Province”. The Provincial Nutrition Summit aims to reinforce information and development of the nutrition program, strengthen functions of Barangay Nutrition Scholars in delivering health and nutrition interventions and to encourage all Barangay Nutrition Scholars for sustainable and effective program implementation in their respective barangays. The activity was participated by 367 Barangay Nutrition Scholars, Nutrition Programs, Coordinators, Nutrition Action Officers and others stakeholders. Also present are the Board Member of the 2nd District and Chairman of the Committee on Health and Nutrition Atty. Jasmine N. Pinsoy-Lagutin, Board Member of the 1st District Hon. Angelica Jalosjos Carreon, PSWDO and PNAO Dr. Jose G. Mante, and NNC9 DMO II Ms. Rowence F. Zorilla.
The Provincial Governor Hon. Rosalina “Nene” G. Jalosjos represented by Hon. Angelica Jalosjos Carreon delivered her message of commitment to nutrition program. In her message, she stated that “…I am confident that with your expertise and full support, we can see to it that our children will have sufficient and proper nutrition. From our end, we will pour the resources of the provincial government to ensure the success of this most basic yet most noble of goals. When it comes to programs for the well-being of our children. We will always support you in your nutrition goals…”
The activity highlights the parade of the nutrition delegates from 24 Local Government Units, Nutri-Talk: Sharing of Nutrition Best Practices in the Nutrition Program Implementation by the Regional Nutrition Awardees of the Province of Zamboanga del Norte, Election of BNS Provincial Federation Officers, and Nutri-Games. The results of the 2022 Operation Timbang Plus was presented by ZDN-PNO Nutrition Staff Mr. Ariel Espiloa using a colored map presentation. PHO-Nutritionist-Dietitian II Ms. Rosita Gonzales also discussed the importance of First 1000 Days as well as the different nutrition interventions from conception upto first two years of child’s life. First 1000 Days of life is considered as the “Golden Window of Opportunity” for the child to achieve his or her full potential in the different aspect of development. It is also the period during which key health, nutrition, early education, and related services should be delivered to ensure the optimum physical and mental development of a child. Ms. Gonzales also reiterated the importance of breastfeeding and reminded everyone to strictly enforce and protect the Milk Code and support exclusive breastfeeding in the community.
Development Management Officer II Ms. Rowence F. Zorilla from the National Nutrition Council Region 9 discussed the legal mandate and rationale of the Barangay Nutrition Scholar Program as well as the process of selection and recruitment, incentives, roles and functions and core values of a Barangay Nutrition Scholars. PNAO Dr. Mante also shared the Provincial Nutrition Office Priority Activities for 2023. Among the directions mentioned are the restructuring of the present Local Nutrition Offices. He reiterated the importance of the appointment of permanent Local Nutrition Action Officers with staff to focus exclusively on nutrition, functional Local Nutrition Committee, intensified reporting system, and regular LNC monitoring. He also mentioned the reopening of the Provincial Supplementary Food Processing Plant in the municipality of Manuel Roxas in partnership with the Provincial Agriculture’s Office. The activity ended with the distribution of 5 kilos of rice and mugs to the local nutrition workers.
-ZDN-DMO II Rowence F. Zorilla, RND
