The National Nutrition Council (NNC) in Region 12 honored local government units, individuals and groups that contributed to the agency’s advocacy of addressing malnutrition.
Arceli Latonio, NNC regional program coordinator, in an interview Friday said that before the awarding rites, NNC also launched the Philippine Plan of Action on Nurition (PPAN) and received commitments from regional government heads, leaders of government and non-government organizations as well as partners.
Reginaldo Regie Guillen, Nutrition Officer IV from the NNC central office was guest of honor and speaker who spoke on behalf of Assistant Secretary of Health and NNC Executive Director, Maria Bernardita Flores.
In his speech, Guillen stressed that “nutrition is not just a health concern, it is everybody’s concern.”
The PPAN, Guillen said, aims to address primarily two major concerns – “stunting” (pandak) and “wasted” (payat).
“PPAN showed us the current nutrition status in the Philippines … stunted and wasted. They perform low in school, low productivity and affect our economic productivity,” he said.
He said about 60 percent of the country’s 105 million population is in the working sector and this is considered as demographic dividends for economic growth.
“If we continue not to care for our human resources and malnutrition is higher, that demographic dividends will become demographic liability,” he said.
Guillen said PPAN is integral part of Philippine Development Plan and and as such we can ensure better nutrition, health and education.

For the PPAN to succeed, Guillen said the DOH needs regional contributions, support from local government executives, and support from non-government organizations and civil society organizations.
ASEC Flores quoted a published comment by a newspaper columnist who said the country’s nutrition status and stunting is like a ticking bomb that could explode and put the country in difficult economic situation.
During the national launch of PPAN in Iloilo City, the health offical said if the stunting problem is not address right now, the country will have a higher population of stunted Filipinos in the next 15 to 20 years who are less productive as they enter the work force.
NNC honored men and women from across the region who excelled in implementing programs that addressed malnutrition, health and sanitation.
Latonio said the awards were the agency’s recognition and appreciation for what she called as “unsung heroes” of NNC.
Barangay nutrition scholar Medy Repollo of Barangay Sudapin, Kidapawan City was awarded Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar in the Region, while Polomolok was adjudged Outstanding Municipality in the region for the second time.
The towns of Arakan in North Cotabato, Kiamba in Sarangani and Polomolok in South Cotabato were chosen as Outstanding Municipalities in the province, while Barangay New Bohol in Kidapawan City won the contest in Best Gulayan sa Barangay.
The Department of Trade and Industry's regional office was the winner in Best Gulayan sa Opisina project.
At least 20 other awardees were given recognition and plaques of appreciation. Latonio said the awardees were chosen based on the year-round evaluation and assessment.
Dr. Aristides Tan, DOH regional director, said the DOH is committed to ensure PPAN objectives are met.
“Our office support micronutrients supplementation activities and treatment of severe malnourished children and individuals,” he said.
Starting next year, DOH will deploy nutritionist-dietitian per municipality, soliciting applause from audience. The awarding program was held on November 28, 2017 at The Farm in Koronadal City . (Edwin O. Fernandez-Nutri-DOSE)