3 June 2021, Cagayan de Oro City – In celebration of the 47^th Nutrition Month, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region X conducted the Virtual Launching and Talakayan sa PIA last 1 July 2021. The activity was streamed live at the NNC X and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 10 Facebook Pages. This was attended by Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC), local government units (LGUs), nutrition workers, panelists and avid followers of the NNC X Facebook Page. The municipalities, cities, and provinces of region 10 also launched the campaign in their respective localities apart from the regional virtual launching.

This year’s theme, “Malnutrisyon patuloy na labanan, First 1000 days tutukan!”  calls for continued action to address malnutrition through the First 1000 Days of life strategy. The theme reaffirms the call for all members of society to pursue and continue efforts to address malnutrition guided by the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022 as the framework. The theme also emphasizes the need for scaling up interventions in the first 1000 days through the strengthened implementation of Republic Act 11148 (Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act).

Part I of the program was the virtual launching, while the second part was dedicated for the Talakayan sa PIA hosted by the PIA 10.

The launching was opened by Dr. Ellenietta HMV N. Gamolo, Assistant Regional Director of DOH Center for Health Development-Northern Mindanao in behalf of Regional Director and RNC Chair, Dr. Jose R. Llacuna, Jr., CESO III. ARD Gamolo said, “Nutrition is a cross-cutting concern, it is essential to coordinate nutrition interventions at a high critical level to ensure the effective integration in all different programs, and thus harmonize the implementation.” As she thanked the local chief executives, nutrition workers and stakeholders for their commitment to nutrition, she also reminded everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

It was followed by the unveiling of 2021 Nutrition Month streamer by the NNC X via audio-visual presentation, together with the LGUs’.

Nutrition Program Coordinator Gladys Mae S. Fernandez presented the overview of the 2021 Nutrition Month celebration where she shared the campaign objectives, and key messages: ABAKADA, A-alagaan ang buntis, B – breastfeeding kay baby, K – komplementary feeding na sapat, D – dapat lahat suportado ang PPAN. According to NPC Fernandez, evidences show that the most strategic period to prevent malnutrition and achieve children’s potential for physical growth and mental development is from conception until the child reaches his or her second birthday. She highlighted the six critical interventions in the critical First 1000 Days should be continued;

• At least 4 pre-natal visits in 3 trimesters (1-1-2)
• 180 tablets of Iron-folic acid supplementation
• Balanced protein-energy dietary supplementation
• Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months
• Age-appropriate complementary feeding with continued breastfeeding
• Micronutrient supplementation (Vit. A, Micronutrient Powder)

Furthermore, NPC Fernandez included the Memorandum Circular of Department of the Interior and Local Government and Department of Budget and Management for LGUs which enjoin all LGUs to prioritize allocation of funds for their local nutrition action plans formulated

Regional Directors and representatives from RNC agencies, governors, mayors and nutrition workers from LGUs declared their statements of commitment and support to the campaign via AVP presentation.

This was followed by a testimonial from Ms. Joan Bicar, a Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program beneficiary from Malaybalay City. Ms. Bicar was thankful for the TK DSP as it helped her improve her nutritional status throughout her pregnancy.

A game called “Find Me if you Can” was played throughout the first part, where three phrases popped up for 5 seconds. This ensured participation and attention of the viewers during the duration of the launching. Six (6) winners were announced before the launching ended.

The launching continued with the Talakayan sa PIA, a press conference moderated by Ms. Jan Albert Araña of PIA 10. Talakayan highlights were as follows:

• NNC X through NPC Fernandez shared the regional nutrition situation among children and pregnant women. She likewise emphasized the rationale of the 2021 NM Campaign.
• DOH CHD-NM represented by Ms. Telesfora G. Madelo’s discussion focused on the agency’s programs directed towards the target group under the First 1000 Days.
• Gladys B. Bingil, President of Nutritionist-Dietitians Misamis Oriental – Cagayan de Oro City Chapter and academe representative presented that their organization helps promote the dissemination of nutrition and nutrition related information for public awareness. She also discussed initiatives of Lourdes College such as webinars, especially topics concerning the nutrition in the First 1000 Days of life.
• Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Christy Marie V. Alsado of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon discussed the intensified nutrition actions of their LGU despite the pandemic to prevent the increase of malnutrition prevalence. Moreover, she shared that the LGU launched its localized First 1000 Days Program. MNAO Alsado explained that their best practices involved the use of quad media in nutrition information dissemination, designation of F1K coordinator, and establishing human milk hub.

This year’s campaign urges us to work together and invest in the First 1000 Days to end all forms of malnutrition. (NO I Vazamija Therese A. Villasi, RND)