15 November 2022, Cagayan de Oro City – The 9th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Valencia City declared its support to the nutrition programs of the city during the Nutrition Advocacy Meeting held last 3 November 2022 at the SP Conference Room.
The Valencia City Nutrition and Human Physical Development Division (CNHPDD) led by City Nutrition Action Officer Hazel P. Dondonayos, with the National Nutrition Council X headed by Nutrition Program Coordinator Gladys Mae S. Fernandez, met with Valencia City's legislators to lobby the nutrition program.
Gracing the meeting were Vice Mayor Atty. Teodoro Roteo T. Pepito, City Nutrition Committee Co-Chair/City Councilor Jerusha Cadigal-Recla, Councilor Guillermo G. De Asis, Jr., Councilor Annalou Q. Zambrano, Councilor Rolando D. Centillas, Councilor Cecile A. Mabao-Caballero, Councilor Rogelio P. Hera, Jr., Councilor Mauricio S. Sistoso, Jr., Councilor/ABC Pres. Lito P. Palutao, and Councilor/Sangguniang Kabataan Fed. Pres. Jairrah Mae A. Lazanas.
CNAO Dondonayos presented the nutrition journey of the city, including the vision and goals of the City Nutrition Committee, their programs, projects, activities, best practices, awards and nutritional status.
On the other hand, NPC Fernandez explained the imperative of investing in nutrition, First 1000 Days, and importance of human resource in nutrition. The meeting referred to Valencia City Ordinance No. 96-2022, of which the CNHPDD was established, and with at least 50 plantilla items which will be opened for various sections in the CNHPDD.
Vice Mayor Pepito expressed that the 9th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Valencia City will support the nutrition program, and requested that the CNHPDD likewise support the SP regarding their requests on nutrition ordinances and budgets (i.e. through drafting of nutrition ordinances). Further, he committed to bring the City Nutrition Committee and CNHPDD’s concerns during budget deliberations, and that the programs and budgets will be equally distributed among all target groups.
Further to the interactive discussion, the CNHPDD with SP arrived at a conclusion to explore policy issuance for the barangays to provide budget appropriations for nutrition. Participants were referred to the Local Budget Memorandum No. 85, s.2022 of the Department of Budget and Management as legal bases for providing funds for the Barangay Nutrition Action Plan.
In her response, CNC Co-chair/Councilor Cadigal-Recla expressed that the SP is grateful for the advocacy meeting as they have gained knowledge on nutrition in the First 1000 Days, and the existing programs in the City. Lastly, she reminded the participants that if nutrition program can be supported, there will be less problems and costs incurred in addressing health issues. “Ang himsog nga Valenciano, simbolo sa pag-asenso,” she said as she ended her message.
The CNHPDD and the NNC X are grateful for the commitment of the SP members, and that their support will be of immense help as the city strives to sustain its gains, even years after achieving the highest award for nutrition. (Nutrition Officer III Sheena Marie G. Talle / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 09631091098)
