27 June 2022, Cagayan de Oro City – The National Nutrition Council (NNC) celebrated its 48th Anniversary last 24 June 2022 via hybrid mode (onsite at NNC Central Office, Taguig City, and online via Zoom). The celebration was attended by approximately 150 participants, composed of the Internal Management Committee Members, Nutrition Program Coordinators (NPC) and all personnel from the 17 Regional Offices (RO) and NNC Central Office (CO). Nutrition Program Coordinator of NNC X, Ms. Gladys Mae S. Fernandez witnessed the celebration face-to-face, while the rest of her staff joined online.
The NNC was created in 1974 through Presidential Decree 491 and was mandated as the country's highest policy-making and coordinating body on nutrition.
Activities for the anniversary celebration started with a Thanksgiving Mass followed by the 48th NNC Anniversary Program proper. The program started with the presentation of service awards to 13 CO and RO employees who have been in public service for 40, 30, 20, and 10 years.
NPC Fernandez was one of the awardees and was conferred with the Service Award for her 20 years of selfless and dedicated service. The recognition was handed over to NPC Fernandez by Assistant Secretary (ASec) and Executive Director (ED) IV Dr. Azucena M. Dayanghirang, Deputy Executive Director (DED) for Technical Service Rita D Papey and DED for Administrative and Finance Service Atty. Faydah M. Dumarpa, and Administrative Division Chief Chona M. Fernandez.
In response to the recognition, select awardees shared their years of journey with NNC and expressed their gratitude.
A Posthumous Award was also granted to the late Administrative Officer V Serapio D. Camarines, Jr. the award was received by his family.
Nutrition Officer III Lourdes B. Orongan of NNC 4A was also recognized for her exemplary performance as Best Citizen-Centered Capstone Project for her Public Management Development Program at the Development Academy of the Philippines.
Moreover, the highlight of the program was the launching of the NNC Hymn entitled “Nutrisyong sapat, para sa lahat!” sang by Tawag ng Tanghalan finalist Ms. Donna Gift Ricafrente.
ASec and ED Dr. Dayanghirang then delivered an inspirational message in which she encouraged all NNC officials and staff to make history and continue to keep the NNC torch burning in the next 48 years and beyond, and to continue to strive for the improvement of the nutritional well-being of our fellow Filipinos. ED Atty. Dumarpa then delivered her closing remarks.
As NNC celebrated its 48th anniversary, Team Diez will continue to commit and strive in making NNC stronger and better for the years to come. (NO I Liezel Joy D. Reyes, RND)
