15 September 2014-Koronadal City- Philippines- Characterized by its core values of being ALIVE (Accessibility, Leadership, Innovativeness, Visionary, Efficiency) and ACTIVE (Accountability, Commitment, Transparency, Integrity, Vigilance, Excellence) - the Regional Nutrition Committee of Region XII extends its services to the community.
RNC XII initiated an outreach activity to extend its services to the needy groups particularly the indigenous people of Barangay Lamhaku, T’boli, South Cotabato. This initiative is in collaboration with the Local Government of T’boli thru their DST (Dibu S. Tuan) Kariton Project - initiative of the Municipal Mayor which aims to bring all the basic services to the barangays. During the activity, the Department of Social Welfare & Development XII turned-over the fund amounting to two million five hundred thirty five and six hundred pesos (P2, 535,600.00) for the Supplemental feeding of all the Day Care pupils in the said municipality. Moreover, the RNC members spared assorted goods, medicines, vegetable seeds, school supplies, and other supplies for the literacy project of Save the Children International intended for the Day Care pupils and Indigent families of Brgy. Lamhaku, T’boli, South Cotabato.
This joint activity was led by the RNC XII Chair, Dr. Teogenes F. Baluma with the presence of the Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC) members and its representatives from DOH, DA, DSWD, DILG, DePED, NEDA, DBM, DOLE, POPCOM, DTI, NNC , PIA, DENR and Save the Children. Also present were officials and employees of the municipal government, officials and focal persons from the provincial government, religious/military and civic groups, barangay residents and other stakeholders.
Dr. Teogenes F. Baluma, Regional Director of DOH XII and RNC XII Chairperson, in his message, emphasized the importance of health and nutrition preventive measures that the general public should be aware of and consider. He encouraged the people to avail the services that the national agencies and local government units are providing. He also stressed that the information of health and nutrition workers imparts are important for life survival, thus worsening of health and nutritional status as well as medical conditions can be prevented.
Simultaneous activities were being done, such as medical consultation, immunization, operation tuli, supplementary feeding, Pabasa sa Nutrisyon, seeds distribution, play and learn for children, local birth registration, free haircut and fun learning games.
Hon. Mayor Dibu S. Tuan thanked the Regional Nutrition Committee for the RNC’s initiative and generous act to his constituents in T’boli municipality. In addition, Mayor Tuan highlighted the flagship innovative strategies they have created. The “Kariton ni Dibu”, which delivers package of basic social services particularly to the far flung areas as one of the strategies in developing and improving the community and life of the “katutubo”. He also mentioned and so proud of the Nutri-Pan Bakeshoppe that they have established thru the financial assistance of the Mahintana Foundation, which aims to provide readily available nutritious and affordable breads for their constituents, specifically for the school and preschool children. The nutri-pan is enriched with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and fruits to meet the micronutrient recommended allowance needed especially the pre-school and schoolchildren. Thus, with this endeavor, he assured the members of the RNC and other nutrition partners that the nutritional status of their children will improve.
The RNC XII left the area with a great joy in their hearts, with such simple act they have done that could changed a life.
