The National Nutrition Council in Bicol (NNC-5) has called on local chief executives in the region to prioritize health and nutrition programs as they commence their terms in office.
Director Emerenciana Francia, NNC-5 Officer-in-Charge, emphasized the crucial role local leaders play in strengthening initiatives aimed at combating malnutrition. “As local chief executives, you will chair our local nutrition committees, whether as governors, mayors, or barangay leaders. A functional committee means having a timely plan that includes both nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive programs, as well as enabling programs developed by our local government units,” Francia stated during the launch of National Nutrition Month, which carries the theme “Food at Nutrition Security, Maging Priority, Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin.”
Francia highlighted the necessity of providing adequate funding to effectively implement these plans. “Once the plan is funded, it must be implemented without realignment of the budget to ensure the nutrition programs are upheld. Proper monitoring is required to ensure government resources are effectively utilized,” she added.
She outlined several nutrition-specific programs that directly address malnutrition issues, such as the infant and young child feeding program, which supports expectant mothers through iron supplements and weight monitoring. This program promotes exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and introduces complementary feeding for children aged 6 to 23 months.
“We have the Philippine Integrated Malnutrition Program, which identifies children suffering from severe acute malnutrition and connects their mothers with appropriate services for treatment,” Francia explained.
Francia also stressed the importance of micronutrient supplementation programs, which provide vitamin A, iron, and other essential micronutrients for children and expectant mothers, as well as dietary supplementation programs. “We also address overweight and obesity prevention and management and have measures in place for nutrition in emergencies, ensuring vulnerable groups receive care during disasters,” she added.
As part of the month-long celebration, various activities are planned, including a quiz contest for village nutrition scholars, an on-the-spot poster-making contest for schoolchildren, and speech engagements involving various government and non-government agencies.