Nurturing a Nation: NNC’s efforts in promoting nutrition and health awareness
Every child should have the proper nutrients and minerals that their body needs in order to survive and be healthy. Not only is it the responsibility of the parents to ensure that their child is nutritious, but of the state as well. The right to health is a fundamental principle guaranteed by the 1987 Constitution and the government has the duty to promote and instill health consciousness among its population.
In this regard, the Nation Nutrition Council (NNC) was established pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 491 as an attached agency to the Department of Health to be the Philippines’ highest policy-making and coordinating body on nutrition. The NNC oversees the implementation of the hunger mitigation program; formulates national food and nutrition policies; and coordinates planning, monitoring, and evaluation of the national nutrition program.
Among the initiatives launched by the council is the annually celebrated Nutrition Month. Now in its 50th year, the celebration was launched to promote healthy eating and raise awareness about nutrition. This year’s national campaign was kicked off in Koronadal City, South Cotabato with the theme “Sa PPAN (Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition), Sama-Sama Sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat.”
To celebrate Nutrition Month this year, the NNC commenced a tree-planting activity, a “Nutri-parade” of more than 100 vehicles, and a community forum with local government units to share health practices in the city led by Assistant Secretary and Executive Director Dr. Azucena M. Dayanghirang.
Aside from Nutrition Month, the NNC also celebrates World Obesity Day on March 4 annually. This year’s celebration was held remotely and gathered a panel of experts to speak about obesity and the misconceptions surrounding the condition. In an effort to spread awareness to more Filipinos nationwide, a social media campaign was also launched using conversations and stories from people who have overcome obesity and overweight conditions.
Last month, the council organized the first General Assembly of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement Philippines in collaboration with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) Philippines and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines. The assembly was held to serve as a platform for networking, collaboration, dialogue, and shared commitment towards healthier and nourished Filipinos.
“Since 2021, the SUN Movement has worked collaboratively to end malnutrition and all its forms led by countries and governments, supported by organizations and individuals. Collectively, to take actions that ensure every child, adolescent, mother, and family can realize their right to food and nutrition, reach their full potential, as well as shape sustainable and prosperous societies.” Ms. Dayanghirang said during the assembly.
Aimed to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experiences in nutrition program management among local government units (LGUs), the NNC also holds sessions in Tagaytay City called Learning Hub for Enhanced and Revitalized Nutrition Program (LHEARN). Receiving the most prestigious award in nutrition given to cities, the Nutrition Honor Award, Tagaytay City’s LGU passes on its strategies and innovations for addressing malnutrition to other LGUs all over the country.
The council also conducts training programs for nutrition program officers, nurses, barangay health officials, and other local nutrition focal points. The four-day Operation Timbang (OPT) Plus Manual of Operations (MOP) and Data Quality Check (DQC) Protocol aims to teach health workers to identify children who are underweight, wasted and stunted, or obese; and to locate families with malnourished children. So far, the NNC has conducted eight training programs with the latest being held in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
Another workshop offered by the NNC is its e-learning course on Local Nutrition Program Management (eNPM). The online subject is designed to teach local nutrition-related and health workers in an LGU. Finishers of the course will receive a Certificate of Completion as well as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit units from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
The council also holds the annual National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony to recognize outstanding LGUs and local nutrition focal points (LNFPs). During this year’s ceremony President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged the NNC and their stockholders to truly gain health outcomes and ensure adequate nutrition for every Filipino.
“I enjoin the NNC to align your initiatives with the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition for 2023-2028. May our awardees and their remarkable accomplishments, encourage everyone to further perform their duties with excellence, integrity, and transparency as we create a Bagong Pilipinas. Together, let us lay the building blocks of a healthier, more secure, and sustainable Philippines,” Mr. Marcos said during the event.
As the Philippines strives to combat malnutrition, the NNC spearheads the whole archipelago in promoting nutrition awareness, implementing national policies, and fostering collaboration among local government units which could lead to a healthier, stronger, and more nutritious generation of Filipinos. — Jomarc Angelo M. Corpuz
