The Social Development Committee of Northern Mindanao during its May 12 meeting resolved to support the reactivation/reorganization of the Region X Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) and the strengthening of the institutionalization of the celebration of the 2015 Nutrition Month. Both agenda will be elevated to the Regional Development Council for support and advocacy.

Upon request of NNC X, the body will endorse to the RDC X the following action points relative to the RBATF reactivation:

1)Enjoin the member agencies to actively undertake their functions

2)Call on the organization of Local Bantay Asin Task Forces and shall utilize the exiting local bodies and committees such as the Local Nutrition Committees to streamline functions and ensure convergence of resources

3)The RBATF and local Bantay Asin Task Forces to prioritize monitoring of the distribution and storage of only iodized salt in their respective areas

Aside from asking the support of the RDC to encourage communities, regional and local governments and other stakeholders to implement activities relevant to this year’s Nutrition Month celebration, the SDC also proposes to enjoin public and private sectors to promote the increased consumption of fruits and vegetables and regulate the entry of junk foods in the region.

As a result of NNC’s presentation, the body also recommended the revisit and reactivate RDC X Resolution No. 32 (s. 2014) Confirming the Creation of a Regional Food Security Technical Working Group chaired by the Department of Agriculture X. mdmn