“Magpakalunod ka sa system ng Nutrisyon, that it is no longer a work but rather a passion” cited by Ms. Ana Uy, Provicial Nutrition Action Officer of South Cotabato in her discussion on Strategies on Strengthening the Nutrition Organization during the joint meeting of Municipal Nutrition Action Officers and Presidents of BNS Organization of Cotabato Province held at Amas, Kidapawan City last January 19, 2011. The Province of Cotabato was fortunate to have Ms. Uy as one of their resource person to share their success stories that brought South Cotabato to the pinnacle they are right now..

Ms. Uy referred to the Municipal Nutrition Action Officers, and BNS as the person that depict the total picture of the nutritional status of the province. She emphasized that for a province to have a good and smooth sailing program lies on the coordinative skill of every action officer, having open communication to the up line as well as the grassroots level. Ms. Uy encouraged the neighbouring province register their organization to Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) to ease access of support for their programs and advocacies. She also emphasized that resources are not limited to Local Government alone, it can also be generated from other Non- Government Organizations and other sectors and it is just all dependent to the aggressiveness and strategies on the nutrition committee. Small budget allocation can generate a massive program if it is used accordingly. She also shared some innovations and good practices that helped reduce its malnutrition problem and made it to an awardee as a Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN).

Ms. Latonio and Ms. Uy clearly discussed among the NAO’s on their functions/roles/responsibilities and line of authority that greatly affect the outcome of the programs. They cited that the action officers are entitled to a sufficient endorsement from the previous NAO’s. Having appointed as the Nutrition Action officer is an honour to carry for it entails the trust and confidence of the chairman and of the people being served.

Leading people towards development is so challenging that may also entail personal resources. As PNAO of South Cotabato, Ms. Ana Uy said “you have nothing to gain but everything to lose”, the satisfaction of service is immeasurable.