Region VII

Details: Category: Region 7; Published: 28 November 2014

Canlaon City – A forty-five (45) year old Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) of Naga City, Cebu won Mutya ng BNS 2014. Ms. Evangeline S. Cardenas of Barangay Colon, Naga City bested the eleven (11) other candidates from the other cities and provinces of Central Visayas. She got the nod from the panel of judges after she sharply answered the question "Kon dunay kalamidad sa inyong lugar ug isip usa ka BNS unsay imong unang buhaton?" (If an emergency strikes in your community and as a BNS, what will you do?). The question common to all finalists, anchored on the Congress' theme "Panahon sa kalamidad, BNS andam moalagad" ”(In time of calamity, a BNS is ready to serve”) accounts for 60% of the total score after all the top five's scores went back to zero during the final rounds. The panel of judges was composed of beauty queens from Canlaon City and the neighboring city of San Carlos, Negros Occidental.

Winning 1^st Runner Up was Ms. Josephine C. Zafra of Cebu City while 2^nd Runner Up plum went to Ms. Ruth R. Tagpuno from Municipality of Balamban, Cebu Province.

Major Awards given during the pageant was Miss Friendship which went to Ms. Noniluna C. Mancao of Danao City, Ms. Photogenic given to Ms. Josephine C. Zafra of Cebu City, Darling of the Crown was awarded to Ms. Cheresa L. Traya of Toledo City. Additionally, Ms. Marijune D. Ojales of Dumaguete City received the award for Best in Production Number, Best in Resort Wear, Best in Talent and Best in Long Gown.

Details: Category: Region 7; Published: 28 November 2014

Canlaon City – “It is our privilege to host the 10th Regional Barangay Nutrition Scholars’ (BNS) Congress and we will do our best to change the status of the BNSs from being volunteers to having a Job Order status!” words by Canlaon City Mayor Jimmy Jayme L. Clerigo in his inspirational message during the 10^th Regional BNS Congress last 06 – 07 November 2013 held at the Canlaon Cultural and Sports Center, Canlaon City. A total of 1,086 delegates joined the two (2) day congress coming from the different cities and municipalities of Central Visayas.

With this year’s theme “Panahon sa kalamidad, BNS andam sa pag-alagad”(In time of calamity, a BNS is ready to serve”), the congress focused on nutrition in emergencies-related topics that would help the attendees be prepared when calamities and emergencies would happen. The Keynote Address was given by Representative Leah S. Paquiz of Ang Nars Party List, who also elaborated on the roles of BNSs during disasters. She also stressed that BNSs should be given ample benefits as they are the frontline workers for nutrition.

The Congress also discussed the following topics: Disaster Preparedness by Mr. Remo G. Magsico, OIC, CSWDO & CDRRMC, Canlaon City; Responsibilities of a BNS during Emergencies by Ms. Lourdes A. Taburaza, CNAO of Dumaguete City, Ensuring Food and Rice Security during Emergencies and during Normal Times by Dr. Fabio G. Enriquez, OIC, Operations Division & Rice Program Coordinator; and Sustainable Living by Hon. Nestor L. Archival, Cebu City Councilor, North District.

One of the highlights of the Congress was the recognition and awarding of cash assistance to long-serving BNSs who have been in service for at least 25 years and BNSs affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). The 10 Kumainments was also launched during the said congress by NNC 7 Nutrition Program Coordinator, Dr. Parolita A. Mission and Canlaon City Mayor, Hon. Hon. Jimmy Jayme L. Clerigo.

Details: Category: Region 7; Published: 13 May 2015

Dumaguete City – Reeling of enlightenment of the recent D/C/M Nutrition Program Coordinators’ validation on Training Needs Assessment, held 13 May 2015 at the Dumaguete City Royal Suites Inn, and empowered with a new vigor to finally rebuild the local nutrition committees in the province, Provincial Nutrition Coordinator Helen S. Jimenez and Maria, Siquijor Municipal Nutrition Program Coordinator (MNPC) and President of Siquijor MNPC Association Raul H. Ruiz, propose an orientation for NAOs and MNPCs on nutrition program management. Stretching the already full schedule of the regional office, the orientation will happen on 22 May 2015 to respond to the needs of MNPCs of the province of Siquijor.

Having only two semi functional LGUs in the province with six municipalities, the Siquijor province has been going through a long and difficult way towards nutrition program management, a problem that the province itself has recognized.

Thus, it was proposed that all six municipalities be re-oriented in nutrition program management and the monitoring and assessment tools, for check and balance, as well as the different member agency roles in a bid to breathe in new life to the province’s sleepy nutrition program.

Given the chance, the small province of Siquijor with only about a hundred thousand population has boundless opportunities to be great in nutrition. Starting with, as their Provincial Nutritionist and MNPC president put it, “re-acquainting with nutrition”. //NGS

Details: Category: Region 7; Published: 15 December 2014

Central Visayas – The National Nutrition Council Region VII pushed healthy eating during the DOH on Wheels: Kalusugan Pangkalahatan (KP) Roadshow in Central Visayas held on November 11, 12 and 14, 2014 in Tabogon and Tuburan in Cebu and Anda in Bohol, respectively. The healthy eating guidelines in the Philippines are contained in the 10 Kumainments, a campaign recently launched by the National Nutrition Council of the Department of Health.

The 10 Kumainments are based on the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos that aims to address and prevent malnutrition and diet-related non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Lifestyle-related diseases have been on the rise in the Philippines. In the 8^th National Nutrition Survey, among the most prevalent lifestyle disease in the Philippines is hypertension, followed by diabetes. The report stressed that hypertension is prevalent among men than women, that urban poor are more susceptible to diabetes, and that hypertension and diabetes increase with age and wealth.

NNC 7 promoted the 10 Kumainments with focus on Kumainment No. 3: “Kaon og utanon ug prutas matag adlaw” (Eat vegetables and fruits everyday) in all four KP communities namely, Men, Women, Elderly and Youth targeted by DOH through interactive lectures, fun games and Eat My Gulay” dance. A cooking demo was also done for the Women’s Community aside from the lectures and fun games. Each of the technical staff was assigned to the different communities. NO III Susan Y. Orpilla was assigned to the Men’s Community, NO II Nasudi G. Soluta for the Women’s Community, NO I Anna Patricia M. Gonzales for the Elderly Community and NO I Norre Jean G. Delos Santos for the Youth Community. The Barangay Nutrition Scholars in the areas also lent their hands during the conduct of the lecture, games and dance.

NPC Parolita A. Mission who took part in the Policy forum cum Dialogue with the Local Chief Executives pushed for the implementation of the nutrition program and the welfare of the BNS in their respective areas.

The DOH on Wheels: Kalusugan Pangkalahatan or KP Roadshow seeks to improve health outcomes like maternal and child health at the least possible cost. It is meant to showcase the wide range of health services available for women, children, and even men – essentially, all members of the family.

By participating in the KP Roadshow, NNC 7 will be able to increase the awareness of the LCEs about the nutrition program and promote proper nutrition among the populace to attain optimal health. //DFB

Details: Category: Region 7; Published: 15 March 2015

Talisay City- As part of the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics programme, the University of San Carlos (USC) together with the National Nutrition Council 7 have fielded twenty-five (25) graduating students for their practicum in select barangays in the City of Talisay.

Aiming to organize and activate barangay nutrition committees as well as to assist the front line barangay nutrition workers in their daily activities, this four-week immersion activity not only helps the barangay nutrition committee in the analysis of its nutrition data and to draft barangay nutrition action plan, it also helps the students understand and develop their skills in nutrition program management.

With the supervision of the USC faculty, the NNC 7, and the Talisay City Nutrition Committee, the students engaged in nutrition activities such as assisting in the on-going OPT Plus, household surveillance and database management, nutrition education, as well as data analysis and planning assistance by preparing problem trees and spot maps as well as assisting the BNCs in their Barangay Nutrition Action Plan formulation.

In doing so, the NNC 7 and the USC hope to inculcate in the students a sense of what Public Health Nutrition really is outside the academic ideology and to teach them coping skills to deal with the dynamics of community nutrition. //NGS

Details: Category: Region 7; Published: 13 May 2015

Cebu City -The National Nutrition Council 7 of the Department of Health reminds the public to make sure that the food in your plate is safe. Unsafe food or food containing bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances can lead to a range of health problems such as diarrhoeal disease, viral disease (the first Ebola cases were linked to contaminated bush meat); reproductive and developmental problems and cancers. Foodborne and waterborne diarrhoeal diseases kill an estimated 2 million people annually including many children.

Foodborne diseases may result from eating food from an animal or plant that has been infected with disease–causing organisms; food that has been contaminated by microorganisms transmitted by insects, flies, roaches or rodents; food that has been in contact with sewage-polluted water; food that has been contaminated by food handlers who have not observed good personal hygiene; or food that contains toxic substances, which maybe naturally occurring or added accidentally or unintentionally. NNC 7 reminds the public to follow Kumainment No. 6 “Consume safe foods and water to prevent diarrhea and other food and water-borne diseases. Particulary, keep your food clean, separate raw and cooked food, cook food thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures; drink safe water; practice good personal hygiene; practice environmental hygiene and sanitation; clean and sanitize food preparation area, practice pest control; and practice safe food storage, handling, preparation and service.

While enjoying your food, never neglect in keeping them clean and safe. //Summer O. Allanic – NNC 7 CEC Intern