August 30, 2022- The National Nutrition Council Davao Region conducted an online webinar entitled “Nutrition Teen Movers: A Webinar Empowering Youth in Promoting Nutrition” aimed to empower the youth to spark initiatives in taking action regarding health and nutrition.
NNC XI collaborated with partner regional stakeholders such as the Commission on Population and Development, National Youth Commission, the Sangguniang Kabataan, and academe represented by the University of Mindanao, University of Immaculate Conception, and Central Mindanao University. The said webinar held live via Zoom and FB Live was attended by over fifty (50) diverse participants coming from different schools and organizations in Davao City.
Five (5) resource speakers presented relevant topics stressing the many ways that the youth can contribute to the promotion of good nutrition. Dr. Maria Teresa Ungson, Nutrition Program Coordinator of NNC XI discussed the topic Investing in Nutrition is Good Governance highlighting the importance of nutrition investment and inspiring the youth as future leaders of the nation. The Youth Development Plan and Strategies Enabling Youth Participation for Health and Nutrition Improvement were discussed by Mr. Mayjee Dela Cruz, Region XI and BARMM Cluster Head of the National Youth Commission. He emphasized the significant role of youth participation in achieving a healthy and progressive country. Meanwhile, Mr. Ryan Calsa, SK Chairperson of Barangay Panacan, Davao City shared their barangay’s youth-driven health and nutrition initiatives showing the tangible representation of youth mobilization at the grassroots level. This was followed by a presentation of Mr. Jason Molina, Dean of the College of Human Environmental Sciences and Food Studies at UIC, asserting that healthy life choices and maintaining good nutrition is especially fundamental during adolescent years. Furthermore, pressing issues on teen health and their roles in breastfeeding promotion were expounded by Ms. Sheryl Jane Fernandez, Information Officer II of POPCOM XI and the Focal person for youth in her topic Teen Health: Preventing Teenage Pregnancy and Roles of Youth in Breastfeeding Promotion.
At the end of the webinar, Ms. Alona Teo, OIC-Nutrition Officer III moderated the open forum and presented the webinar meeting’s key takeaways. Dr. Maria Teresa Ungson then gave her closing remarks to officially end the webinar.
Following this activity, we are hopeful that the learnings and great insights from the webinar can empower and inspire the youth to participate and be the catalyst for positive changes in the way nutrition services are delivered in their community. We call on all the youth, not just in Davao City to use their voice, talents, and energy for community development and help contribute to the country’s fight against malnutrition.
//JBC
