2 March---The Regional Development Council of SOCCSKSARGEN, spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture, officially marks the month of March as "Milk Awareness Month”. The region is taking pride in being the first region in the country to celebrate this month-long celebration, highlighting milk feeding programs among pregnant women and children 3 years old and above, and information dissemination in promoting good nutrition. This activity is only one of the banner programs led by Task force G.A.T.A.S or Government Assistance towards Transformation in Agriculture for Sustainability, which is a regional convergence initiative for sustainable rural development.
A motorcade activity was done to kick off the celebration, which then proceeded to the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center, where the formal launching program took place. The launching activity was attended by different regional line agencies, including the National Nutrition Council, LGUs, various sectors, selected pregnant women and school children.
NNC XII Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, Ms. Retsebeth Laquihon, was among the resource persons, who discussed the importance of milk as a source of important nutrients for bone formation and muscle building, which include calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, and protein. She also underscored that the celebration is very significant in support of Republic Act No. 11037, or the "Masustansyang Pagkain Para Sa Batang Pilipino Act", which is to establish a national feeding program to address hunger and undernutrition among Filipino children. On the other hand, she also reiterated the importance of breastmilk, which is still the best primary source of nutrients for children under 2 years of age.
In a message, NEDA Regional Director and RDC Co-Chairperson Director Teresita Socorro-Ramos, said, "appropriate interventions, such as the drinking of milk by children, which is now introduced, will help the affected segment of our population. With our proactive approach, we can ensure that children in Region 12 will achieve and reach their fullest potentials".
Capping off the activity was the ceremonial signing of a pledge of commitment by the heads of offices of line agencies and other sectors, enjoining and encouraging everyone to be actively involved in the endeavors of Task Force GATAS. (DMO II AUREL/RNPC)
