9 June 2021, Cagayan de Oro City – The Regional Development Council-Social Development Committee X in its second quarter meeting affirms the endorsement of nutrition-related agenda to the RDC X, the highest planning and policy-making body in Northern Mindanao.

This meeting was held virtually on 9 June 2021. Approximately 80 members and guests attended the meeting presided by CHED 10 Regional Director Raul Alvarez, Jr. in behalf of Committee Chair Mayor Jennifer W. Tan of Tangub City. NNC X Nutrition Program Coordinator Gladys Mae S. Fernandez and Nutrition Officer III Sheena Marie G. Talle attended as NNC X representatives.

NNC X proposed for the following to be elevated to the highest regional body: 1) Adoption of Regional Nutrition Committee X Resolution No. 1, s2020 “Mobilizing Local Government Units of Northern Mindanao for the First 1000 Days Program”; 2) 2021 July Nutrition Month Campaign; and 3) Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program.

Adoption of the above-mentioned RNC X resolution by the RDC X will help reinforce enabling support for LGUs to invest in programs and activities for the First 1000 Days. Similarly, the same support for the “golden window of opportunity” is being called from the members of the body and relevant stakeholders to intensify campaign on Nutrition Month, themed, “Malnutrisyon patuloy na labanan, First 1000 Days tutukan!”. Lastly, the Tutok Kainan DSP initiative is presented for the first time to the SDC X as an invitation to support the said program, targeting the vulnerable groups captured in the First 1000 Days period.

To add, the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project, where NNC is one of the main project proponents, was presented by Dir. Jane Armas of Kalahi-CIDSS, DSWD Central Office. Project objectives, target areas, components and institutional arrangements were presented by Dir. Armas. Like the other agenda presented during the meeting, the SDC X likewise stamped the PMNP for support and endorsement.

The NNC X is grateful to the SDC X and National Economic and Development Authority X for considering and approving the said NNC X agenda for the RDC X’s approval. (NO III Sheena Marie G. Talle)