Mabinay, Negros Oriental – The local government of this cave capital of the country showed that the pandemic will not hinder them to continue in advocating for good nutrition for the betterment of the people of their locality. This was showcased by the Barangay Nutrition Committee of Barras as they pursued the conduct of the Zumba Dance Contest, Cooking Contest, and Pinaka Contest in time for the recently concluded Nutrition Month celebration.
The pandemic has halted many of the activities of the municipality including its health and nutrition awareness campaigns. Fortunately, after 2 years of continuously battling with the unseen enemy, COVID-19, the LGU is now able to stand still and get back on its feet. With this, Barangay Barras showed their resiliency by celebrating for the first time the 48th Nutrition Month with the theme “New Normal na Nutrisyon, Sama-samang Gawan ng Solusyon” on 21 July 2022 at Barangay Barras Covered Court, Mabinay. The theme aimed to call for action in strengthening nutrition interventions for nutrition improvement in the new normal way.
The one-day celebration was jam-packed with activities. The newly designated Municipal Nutrition Action Officer, Dr. Tara Cadayday delivered the nutrition month message. SB member Hon. Enozario “Piktoy” Baldoza also showed his support by giving an inspiring message on the importance of backyard gardening to sustain food security. All the 9 puroks in the barangay participated in the above-mentioned contests. It was a fun-filled day as everyone willingly and happily participated in the celebration.
Barangay Nutrition Committee headed by barangay captain Hon. Dolores Castillo together with her ever-supportive members has found their way to be able to allocate a budget for the said event. This was after they joined the Workshop on Enhancing Nutrition Action Plans and Budget in the Barangay level last October 2020 conducted by the municipality of Mabinay. They were able to apply what they have learned from the workshop by having a nutrition action plan with a corresponding budget source. This was also made possible with the coordination of their hardworking RHM Hazel B. Bactol and NDP Tom P. Lado. They have shown that truly the pandemic will not hinder them to continue advocating for good nutrition for the betterment of the people of the community. // ND II Shaira Vita A. Calumpang, RND
