21 July 2021, Cagayan de Oro City – Following the appointment of the new Nutritionist-Dietitian of the Department of Education Region 10, the National Nutrition Council X facilitated the orientation to the new ND II, per request, on 21 July 2021.

Nutrition Program Coordinator Gladys Mae S. Fernandez, together with her technical staff, led the activity. The DepEd 10 team was represented by Mr. Myron Gil Talosig, Head, Education Support Services Division, Ms. Hannah Leizl Ratunil, ND II and Mr. Ricardo G. Dragon, Nurse II.

DepEd 10 requested for an orientation on the functions and commitmentts of their agency to the Regional Nutrition Committee. As such, NNC X discussed the background of the agency, the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition, and the functions and members of the RNC and its Technical Working Group (RTWG). In addition, specific roles and functions of DepEd 10 to the RNC were also enumerated.

Mr. Talosig expressed that the agency wants to be an asset to the RNC, and thus explained the need to establish good rapport with NNC X. He also renewed the commitment of DepEd 10 to do their part as an RNC member agency, and to go beyond than the usual functions as identified.

As the permanent representative to the RTWG, Ms. Ratunil conveyed that she is excited for the upcoming partnership with NNC X. She also committed to comply with data requests and reports on nutrition. On the other hand, Mr. Dragon shared nutrition-related program updates during the meeting. Both agencies are eyeing for a separate virtual meeting to discuss such updates.

The conduct of the meeting was purposeful as DepEd 10 has nutrition and related programs being implemented, based on their commitments to the Regional Plan of Action for Nutrition.

NNC X through its technical staff will continue to coordinate with DepEd 10 on program developments and other concerns, being the Secretariat to the RNC X. (NO III Sheena Marie G. Talle)