The Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022, the country’s blueprint for nutrition interventions, was officially launched last Tuesday, May 2, in Iloilo City.
PPAN 2017-2022 was presented by the Executive Director of the National Nutrition Council, Assistant Secretary of Health Maria-Bernardita T. Flores, which was followed by the symbolic turning over to stakeholders, led by Health Secretary Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial.
Health Secretary Ubial noted PPAN as the driving force that will either make or break the future of the next generation of Filipinos. She also quoted former Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Cielito F. Habito who likened the 33% prevalence of stunting in children as an invisible and silent time bomb that is slowly ticking. Sec. Ubial In 15-20 years, these stunted children if they survived, will enter the workforce and instead of driving the engine of the economy, will become the burden of society.
“Please be the loud voice of nutrition amidst the noise of all that is happening in the country. Whether good or bad, any news is good news for nutrition.” Secretary Ubial enjoined the media practitioners to be one with the Department of Health and NNC in their journey for nutrition improvement.
Highlight of the launching activity was the unveiling of the exhibit of the different programs under PPAN 2017-2022 where participants were given a chance to experience some of the PPAN services first-hand.
Members of the NNC Governing Board and other stakeholders who were present during the symbolic turning over of PPAN were Representative Emmi De Jesus of the Gabriela Party, House of Representatives;
Undersecretary Teodoro Pascua of the Department of Trade and Industry;
Undersecretary Hope Hervilla of the Department of Social Welfare and Development;
Assistant Secretary Maria Gloria Tango of the Department of Labor and Employment;
Iloilo Governor Arturo Defensor Sr.; representatives of development partners, non-government organizations, local government units; and NNC media group representatives across the country.
