NNC 7 and MIND 7 Push for Nutrition Action in Guihulngan City

The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region VII together with the Media Information Network for Nutrition and Development 7 (MIND 7) met with the nutrition stakeholders of Guihulngan City during the media caravan on 30 May 2017 at the TESDA Conference Room, Guihulngan City. The city tops the malnutrition prevalence in the region according to the 2016 OPT Plus results with 14.21% undernutrition and 30.45% stunting rates.

The caravan aims to engage the mayor, executive and legislative officials of the city, barangay captains and members of the local nutrition committee to a meaningful discussion of the nutrition issues and actions to be taken to address the malnutrition problems, advocate for an increased investment in nutrition and provide technical assistance.

CNAO Dr. Mary Rose G. Sancelan welcomed the Cebu delegation led by RNPC Dr. Parolita A. Mission and MIND 7 President Mr. Raul “Bong” Roxas and the more than eighty participants who joined the activity. Nurse I and Assistant CNPC Ms. Ariane Paz C. Malahay appraised the members of the media on the current nutrition situation of the City along with its programs.

NNC 7 also presented the findings of the recently conducted MELLPI which allowed the participants to analyze their strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for improvement in terms of nutrition program implementation.

NDP/NO II Honeyrose V. Anfone also shared the overview of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022 and emphasized the significant role of the local chief executives as the “lead driver” and the legislators as the “engine oil” for the success of the city’s nutrition program.

“It is time for us to be serious in what we do and begin committing ourselves in the promotion of proper nutrition especially for our children”, said Guihulngan City Vice-Mayor Hon. Ernesto A. Reyes who prided himself to be in the government service for 60 years.

ABC President Hon. Melbourne Bustamante on the other hand asked for guidance from the City Nutrition Committee to strengthen their respective barangay nutrition committees which he vowed to activate. (NVS)