The National Nutrition Council XII spearheaded the celebration of the 43rd Nutrition Month Culminating Activities at Villa Princessita, Koronadal City. The activity highlighted the call to start the consumption of healthier foods and discourages everyone from eating unhealthy diets.
Various contests were held which was participated by the members of the Regional Line Agencies, Local government units, Barangay Nutrition Scholars and elementary pupils from the eight Schools Division offices.
Representatives of DOH XII bagged first place in the Pinggang Pinoy Healthy Meal Cooking Contest, second place was Philhealth XII, DBM XII got third place and fourth place was DepEd XII.
On the other hand, Ms. Virginette Jickain brushed off all other contestants being the winner of Nutri-quiz for BNSs.
Meanwhile, Department of Agriculture represented by Dakila Sangalang, had taken the limelight after being declared as the winner among the eight participants of Nutri-quiz for Regional Nutrition Committee Members’ category.
The crowd then were all ears when the Barangay Nutrition Scholars started to conquer the stage to showcase what they’ve got for the Nutri-Sayawit contest. Participants from the South Cotabato Province won 1st place, beating the other entry from Koronadal City.
For Poster making contest, South Cotabato Division’s, John Fritz Rosas vanquished other seven participants from the different divisions after taking First place of the said contest. On second and third places were Vince Gian Villacruz from Sultan Kudarat Division and James Sacabin coming from Sarangani Province Division respectively.
Ms. Jessen T. Masukat, Nutritionist-Dietitian IV, graced the occasion on behalf of DOH XII’S OIC-Regional Director, Dr. Francisco Mateo. In her message, she emphasized the importance of achieving healthy diet to reduce risks of acquiring Non-communicable diseases. She also stressed out that the essence of the theme, “Healthy diet, gawing habit-FOR LIFE!” does not only end up to a month-long celebration but encourages everyone to take his share in promoting healthy lifestyle for life. Thus, this would indeed offer a wide range of benefits in various aspects such as improving physical capacity and cognitive development. Most importantly, it will help in reducing the mortality rates due to complications brought by lifestyle diseases.
The event also served as an opportunity on the conduct of the oath taking ceremony and induction of newly elected officers of Nutrition in Development Organization of Social Educators (Nutri-DOSE) RXII, led by Vice President Dr. Miriam Grace Pamonag of Philhealth XII.
The Search for Gulayan was also officially launched by NPC Latonio and Ms. Agnes Myra Piñol, President of Nutri-DOSE.
In her closing remarks, NPC Latonio thanked all the participants for being so supportive on the campaign all the way. She also sought for the continuous cooperation to take first steps in achieving a healthy diet for life.
It was emphasized that all winners will be recognized on the upcoming Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony, to be held tentatively on October 26, 2017. (DPAurel/NOI)
