The NNC block time radio program Radyo Mo sa Nutrisyon won Best Radio Public Service Program award during the 21st Golden Dove Awards besting two other finalists, ABS-CBN- DZMM’s Aksyon Ngayon and ABC/Nation Broadcasting’s Alerto sa Sakuna. The prestigious award was presented by the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas during the awarding night on 26 April 2013 at the Star Theater in Pasay City. The award was received by NNC Executive Director and Assistant Secretary of Health Maria-Bernardita T. Flores, Ms. Mackay Quadra, Managing Director of MQ MediaZone Productions, NNC’s partner for this project, and Mr. Rod Marcelino , broadcaster of DZXL. According to Asec. Flores during the awarding, “The honor bestowed on Radyo Mo sa Nutrisyon as Best Radio Public Service Program serves as an inspiration to the NNC family to continue to work harder to bring more correct, current and relevant information about nutrition to the Filipino people.”
Radyo Mo sa Nutrisyon is a 30-minute block time nutrition radio program aired over DZXL 558 kHz AM every Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. A/Sec Flores anchors the program with radio broadcaster Rod Marcelino. Radyo Mo sa Nutrisyon discusses issues about nutrition, health and development. Technical resource persons are invited to provide expert information on topics ranging from breastfeeding, vegetable consumption, poverty alleviation programs of the government and related issues.
Radyo Mo sa Nutrisyon was also a finalist in last year’s Catholic Mass Media Awards for Best Public Service Program and KBP Golden Dove Awards for Best Educational Program. Radyo Mo sa Nutrisyon’s Year 4 will resume airing on May 4 over DZXL on the same time slot.
17 April 2013 – Awarding of Certificate of Completion of Quality Assurance and Quality Control to Arvin International Marketing Inc.- Calaca, Batangas Branch.
Arvin International Marketing Inc. was the first salt industry player in the Philippines that was awarded with certificate of quality assurance and quality control on salt iodization from the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) of the Department of Science and Technology. The award is an evidence that the company is doing quality management for excellence in the field of salt iodization which showcases its dedication and engagement to ensure the quality of its iodized salt.
10-12 April 2013 – Field Visit of the Technical Working Group on the National Salt Iodization Program to the Pacific Farms, Inc. as part of its meeting held in Islandia Alaminos Hotel, Alaminos City.
Consistent with the intent of understanding the dynamics and realities on the ground, the second meeting of the Technical Working Group of the National Salt Iodization Program for 2013 was held in the Province of Pangasinan since it is one of the salt-producing areas in the Philippines. The meeting included visits to Pacific Farms Inc., and public markets, sari-sari stores, food service establishments, health centers, bakery and households in the municipalities of Dasol and Bolinao.
It’s full speed ahead for the new Nutriskwela Community Radio Stations! After the conduct of the hands-on training on community radio broadcasting, the ten new radio stations will immediately have their inaugural broadcast as the National Telecommunications Commission has granted the NNC the necessary licenses to operate the stations. To date, seven of the ten radio stations are now on air and broadcasting. These are:
1. Radyo Kauswagan, DYNF-FM 91.3, Eastern Samar State University, Borongan City, Eastern Samar
2. Radyo Kalamboan, DXNE-FM 94.3, Tubod, Lanao del Norte
3. Radyo Kaunlaran, DZNI-FM 99.7,
5. Radyo Kahimsog, DYNE-FM 97.5, Cebu Technological University, Barili,
7. Radyo Kaamigo, DZNJ-FM 98.9, Catanduanes State Colleges, Panganiban, Catanduanes on 1-5 April
The other three radio stations are also scheduled to conduct the hands-on training followed immediately by inaugural broadcasts. These are:
1. Basco, Batanes on 8-12 April
2. Lagangilang, Abra on 15-18 April
3. Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte on 21-26 April
The hands-on training on community radio broadcasting is part of the capacity building aspect of the Nutriskwela Community Radio Network Program. The NNC provides the equipment and training while the partner local government unit or state university and college manages and maintains the station and provides the broadcast personnel as well. During the training, the community radio council is also organized. The multi-sectoral radio council is expected to manage the station in coordination with the station personnel.
The national Nutrition Evaluation Team (NET) had its pre-departure orientation on 15 March marking the start of this year’s validation visits to the contenders of the Nutrition Honor Award, and Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Second and First Year Maintenance Awards.
Four (4) local government units (LGUs) vie for this year’s Nutrition Honor Award (NHA). These are the provinces of Bulacan, South Cotabato, the municipality of Tubigon, Bohol and the city of Ozamiz. These LGUs will be visited by the interagency NET to assess whether the management of nutrition projects had been effective and sustained for the last three years and have resulted in the continuous reduction of undernutrition and overnutrition among preschool children and school children.
The NET will also visit 12 LGUs vying for the following awards from March to June 2013:
“Why Not?”, the National Nutrition Council’s TV show for promoting proper nutrition among children is now on its Phase 2 and will premiere on 16 March, Saturday at 8:00 a.m.. Join Bot (Nash Aguas) and Vi (Kelly Nakanishi) as they embark on new and exciting adventures together with new characters Pepito (Maliksi Morales) and Marie (Brenna Garcia). Watch “Why Not?” to better understand the importance of good nutrition, proper eating and health practices, and the nutritional importance of various food commodities as components of a healthy diet.
“Why Not?” is an Anak TV Seal Awardee for 2011 and 2012 and was recognized “Child- Friendly TV Program” by the National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT), the Department of Education and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board in 2012.
Don’t fail to catch the first episode “Why Not Coconut?” of Why Not? (Phase 2) this Saturday, 16 March over ABS-CBN Channel 2.
5-7 March 2013, Makati City -- the NNC held the Refresher Course on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) IYCF Counselling and Community Support with Gender Concerns. The 36 participants included the Regional Nutrition Program Coordinators, Nutrition Officers III and other technical staff from the regional offices and in the Central Office of NNC. The refresher course aimed to prepare the NNC regional staff for the conduct of roll out trainings on IYCF counselling and community support with gender concerns at the provincial, city and municipal levels. Inclusion of topic on gender and nutrition aimed to contribute to the reduction of gender disparities in nutrition in general and in IYCF practices in particular. The activity also supports NNC’s gender and development plan for 2013.
The refresher course included discussion on the steps in mobilizing community support for IYCF with reference to the “Guide on Mobilizing Community Support for Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Program” developed by NNC as part of the MDGF-2030 UN Joint Programme on Child Security and Nutrition. Participants also had session on the use of the IYCF counseling cards.
The NNC Technical Committee approved the Nutrition Month theme for 2013, "Gutom at malnutrisyon, sama-sama nating wakasan!," during its meeting on 12 February 2013. The theme underscore the need for concerted multi-stakeholder actions to reduce hunger and malnutrition.
The 2013 NM celebration aims to increase awareness on hunger issues and actions that need to be done to mitigate hunger; encourage governement agencies, non-government organiztaions, private sector, civil society organizations, and communities to contribute to addressing hunger issues; and advocate for stronger political action to end hunger. Plans for the celebration of the NM 2013 were also presented to the TechCom which included the nationwide simultaneous launching on 1 July; concert to raise awareness on ending hunger summit or high-level forum.
Congratulations! On 11 February 2013, newly promoted and appointed personnel took their oath of office before Executive Director IV and Assistant Secretary of Health Maria-Bernardita T. Flores. The ceremony was held at the NNC Conference room and witnessed by NPC Carina Z. Santiago of NNC-CALABARZON as Member of the Personnel Selection Board and other NNC employees. In their oath, they swore to perform their jobs to the best of their ability, to always uphold the laws of the Republic of the Philippines and to pursue the best interest of the Filipino people. They are the following:
| 1. Ms. Chona M. Fernandez (promotion) |
| Administrative Officer V and Chief, Administrative Division |
| 2. Ms. Jovita B. Raval (promotion) |
| Nutrition Officer V and Chief, Nutrition Information and Education Division |
| 3. Ms. Hygeia Ceres Catalina B. Gawe (promotion) |
| Nutrition Officer V and Chief, Nutrition Surveillance Division |
| 4. Ms.Agrifina M. De Villa (promotion) |
| Administrative Officer V, Administrative Division - Cash Unit |
| 5. Ms. Normelinda N. Cortez (new appointee) |
| Administrative Officer V, Administrative Division - Personnel Section |
| 6. Mr. Bonifacio T. Balazon (promotion) |
| Administrative Aide VI, Nutrition Surveillance Division |
The 2000 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) was updated in 2012 and adopted by the National Nutrition Council Governing Board through Board Resolution No. 6 Series of 2012 during its meeting on 31 October 2012.
The 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos includes these ten messages:
1. Eat a variety of foods everyday to get the nutrients needed by the body.
2. Breastfeed infants exclusively from birth up to 6 months then give appropriate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond for optimum growth and development.
3. Eat more vegetables and fruits everyday to get the essential vitamins, minerals and fiber for regulation of body processes.
4. Consume fish, lean meat, poultry, egg, dried beans or nuts daily for growth and repair of body tissues.
5. Consume milk, milk products and other calcium-rich foods, such as small fish and shellfish, everyday for healthy bones and teeth.
6. Consume safe foods and water to prevent diarrhea and other food and water-borne diseases.
7. Use iodized salt to prevent Iodine Deficiency Disorders.
8. Limit intake of salty, fried, fatty and sugar-rich foods to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
9. Attain normal body weight through proper diet and moderate physical activity to maintain good health and help prevent obesity.
10. Be physically active, make healthy food choices, manage stress, avoid alcoholic beverages and do not smoke to help prevent lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases.
Assistant Secretary of Health Maria- Bernardita T. Flores, Executive Director IV of the National Nutrition Council conducted a surprise monitoring visit to Radyo Kiphodan, Nutriskwela Radio Station of Lagawe, Ifugao last December 21, 2012. A/Sec Flores was joined by NOII Kendall Pilgrim A. Gatan of NNC-CAR and NO II Arlene A. Famoso of OED in Lagawe.
Ms. Vency Bulayungan, PIA Provincial Director and designated Radyo Kiphodan Station Manager (in photo interviewing A/Sec Flores on air) shared some success stories of the Radyo Kiphodan operations. She proudly mentioned that the consumption of Iron-Fortified Rice increased, as shown by sales, in Lagawe, Ifugao due to the promotion of I-Rice by the National Food Authority through Radyo Kiphodan. They also interviewed radio listeners on how the station changed their circumstances in life. Because of Radyo Kiphodan, listeners were encouraged to avail of government programs like livestock and organic farming for additional income and also for consumption.
Recommendations for the improvement of the Nutriskwela Project in Lagawe were discussed by A/Sec Flores with Honorable Mayor Ceasario Cabbigat, Municipal Administrator Alejandro Pahiwon and Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Ms. Magdalena Namingit.
The Philippines, represented by NNC Executive Director and Assistant Secretary of Health Maria-Bernardita T. Flores presented on 11 December 2012 in Islamabad, Pakistan, the Philippines’ experience on the initial implementation of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). IPC is an internationally recognized set of standardized protocols to classify food insecurity situations for evidence-based decision making. Strengths of the IPC protocols include: 1) building of technical consensus across multi-sectors, 2) ability to classify severity and causes of food insecurity, 3) communicating assessment visually through maps, and 4) quality assurance.
The results of the IPC analysis in the Philippines were presented during one of the Round Table Discussions of the 15th Sustainable Development Conference organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute. The Sustainable Development Policy Institute, founded in August 1992, is a private independent entity that among others, serves as a source of expertise and advisory services for the government, private sector, and non-governmental initiatives supporting the implementation of Pakistan's environment and development agenda. The RTD was chaired by the Secretary of the National Ministry for Food Security and Research, a newly created ministry. In her presentation, Assistant Secretary Flores highlighted the results of the IPC analysis of the Mindanao island group, and the notable achievements of IPC, among them: 1) establishment of a wider and more multilevel partnership for IPC food security analysis, 2) building of capabilities of 35 analysts on food security using IPC version 2.0, 3) generation of the first IPC acute analysis map of Mindanao, 4) mainstreaming of sector specialists and their organizations into integrated food security analysis, and 5) expansion of existing partnerships among agencies benefitting future collaborations.
14 December 2012 -- The National Nutrition Council launched its very own Nutriskwela Broadcast Hub during its 2012 Christmas Celebration at NNC’s newly renovated office with a brief ribbon cutting ceremony witnessed by NNC officials and staff and partners from MQ Mediazone Productions. The ceremony was followed by an inaugural broadcast of NNC's radio program "One Nutrition One Nation", using the said hub.
Hosted by Assistant Secretary of Health and NNC Executive Director Maria-Bernardita T. Flores, the inaugural broadcast was also graced by NNC's Regional Nutrition Program Coordinators from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, who were able to greet their nutriskwela listeners in their own dialects. Ms. Jovie Raval, Officer in Charge of the Nutrition Information and Education Division (NIED), updated Nutriskwela's listeners on what is in store for Nutriskwela's nutrition radio programs for 2013. She also shared the highlights of the just-concluded 3rd National Nutriskwela Conference.
The Nutriskwela broadcast hub is where the NNC will record its nutrition radio programs to be broadcast in the 15 Nutriskwela community radio stations established nationwide. These community radio stations are all licensed by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). NNC is the only national government agency that is licensed by the NTC to establish and maintain community radio stations.
The 3rd National Nutriskwela Community Radio Conference was convened by the National Nutrition Council last 6-7 December 2012 in Mandaluyong City.
The conference for the Nutriskwela Community Radio Stations was intended to provide updates on the stations’ operations and enhance their programming and broadcasting from sharing of renowned radio and television personalities. 42 participants from the 13 out of the 15 stations attended the conference together with the NNC regional nutrition program coordinators and the NNC central office staff. The conference was organized by NNC’s media partner for the Nutriskwela Community Radio Network Project, MQ Mediazone Productions led by its Managing Director, Ms. Mackay Quadra.
Assistant Secretary of Health Maria-Bernardita T. Flores, Executive Director IV of the National Nutrition Council is set to present about “Healthy Food Options” on 6 December 2012 during the 6th Public Health Convention on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases to be held at the Summit Halls C and D of the Philippine International Convention Center. Asec. Flores
The convention to be conducted on 5-6 December, with the theme “Stepping up Philippine Actions for NCD Prevention and Control,” will showcase current actions that the country is pursuing to prevent and control the rise of non-communicable diseases and to help achieve the goals of Kalusugan Pangkalahatan of the Department of Health and the Millennium Development Goals. The convention is also jointly organized by the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control-Degenerative Disease Office and the National Center for Health Promotion of the Department of Health and the Philippine Coalition for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. Participants will include staff from the Centers of Health Development, local government units, national government agencies, non-government organizations, academe, industry, media, people’s organizations, consumer groups and other stakeholders.
The National Nutrition Council, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Food Programme, both of the United Nations, conducted the “IPC 2.0 Analysts Training” for the multi-country Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Asia project on 22-25 October 2012 at Astoria Plaza, Ortigas Business District, Pasig City. The training was attended by 33 participants from nine (9) government agencies, three (3) UN agencies and four (4) non-government organizations and academe, together with some representatives of local governments. Executive Director and Assistant Secretary of Health Maria-Bernardita T. Flores of NNC, together with WFP Executive Director and Country Representative Stephen Anderson and FAO Representative Mr. Kasuyuki Tsurumi graced the opening ceremony of the activity.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) is an approach for analyzing the food security situation and classifying areas based on pre-determined stages and set indicators for food security. Using a common scale, which is comparable across countries, makes it easier for donors, agencies and governments to identify priorities for intervention before food insecurity become catastrophic. Other Asian countries included in the project are Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Cambodia and Myanmar. NNC is the institutional home for IPC in the Philippines.
The IPC training will help ensure a common understanding among various stakeholders of the nature and severity of food insecurity using evidence-based analysis. After the training, the participants are expected to reconvene on 26-29 November to classify the entire island of Mindanao based on IPC’s five phases of food security. A high level Dissemination Forum is targeted in December or January 2013 to promote utilization of the results for food security planning.
09 November 2012 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III graced the 2012 National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony held at the Reception Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. In his keynote address, President Aquino highlighted the importance of investing in health and nutrition programs in cultivating national development. The President went on to commend everyone for successfully reducing the nation’s malnutrition rate among children under five from 26.5% in 1992 to 20.2% in 2011. However, he recognized the need for accelerated and intensified efforts in order to further reduce that and achieve one of the country’s commitments to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
He cited the significance of the first 1,000 days of an infant, the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding, establishment of lactation stations in public areas, and the regulation of marketing of infant formulas, as among the strategies that need to be intensified towards the achievement of this goal. He also cited relevant government programs such as the supplementary feeding program for day care center children and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, as among the important government programs that can greatly contribute in the nation’s efforts of achieving the targets of MDG 1.
The long wait is over! Twenty-two local governments and national outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholars will finally receive their recognition from no less than His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III during the 2012 National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony on 09 November 2012, 1:30 in the afternoon at the Reception Hall in Philippine International Convention Center.
From March to June 2012, the interagency National Nutrition Evaluation Teams visited 25 local government units vying for various national nutrition awards. The last leg of evaluation included the validation visits to the top eight (8) Barangay Nutrition Scholars who bested the 38,000 plus BNSs nationwide. The inter-agency national nutrition evaluation team was led by Assistant Secretary of Health and NNC Executive Director Maria-Bernardita T. Flores. And the winners are:
Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN)
- Vigan City
- Quirino Province
- Tarlac City
- Toledo City, Cebu
- Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte
- Zamboanga City
September 20, 2012 – A Stakeholders’ Forum on Mandatory Food Fortification was held at the Bayview Park Hotel, Manila in connection with the review of mandatory food fortification under Republic Act No. 8976, otherwise known as “The Philippine Food Fortification Program”.
RA 8976 calls for the mandatory fortification (or addition) of iron to rice, vitamin A and iron to wheat flour, and vitamin A to cooking oil and to sugar. It also assigns the inter-agency National Nutrition Council to review mandatory food fortification regularly to determine the continued need for mandatory fortification for which nutrients, and through which food vehicles.
The forum was held as part of the review process commissioned by the National Nutrition Council to the Nutrition Center of the Philippines (NCP). It aimed to generate comments and suggestions on proposed policy recommendations identified by NCP based on information generated on the evidence on the effectiveness of food fortification, trends in the Philippine situation for vitamin A deficiency and anemia, and the performance of the industries involved vis-à-vis food fortification. Stakeholders involved the industries covered by the law, specifically millers of cooking oil, flour, rice, sugar, as well as rice retailers and traders; food manufacturers; national government agencies concerned, i.e. Food and Drug Administration, DOH-National Center for Disease Prevention and Control, DOH-National Center for Health Promotion, National Nutrition Council, DA-National Food Authority, DA-Philippine Coconut Authority, DA-Sugar Regulatory Administration.
September 21, 2012 – The National Nutrition Council convened a forum for non-government organizations or NGOs on the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), 2011-2016 at the Heritage Hotel Manila. Participants were from 17 NGOs, 2 of whom are members of the NNC Governing Board, namely Mr. Edgardo Amistad of the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) and Dr. Irene Maramag of the Rural Improvement Clubs (RIC) of the Philippines, Inc.
The rest of the NGOs represented were: Asian NGO Coalition, Assisi Development Foundation, Child Hope, Habitat for Humanity Philippines, Hands On Manila, International Institute for Rural Reconstruction, Kabisig ng Kalahi, Koalisyon para Alagaan at Isalba ang Nutrisyon (KAIN), Philippine National Red Cross, Plan International, Save the Children, SIKAP-BIDANI, Unang Lingap Kapwa, WomanHealth Philippines, and World Vision Foundation, Philippines.
In observance of World Food Day, the National Nutrition Council in coordination with nutritionist-dietitians of the National Capital Region will participate as exhibitor in the World Food Day Bazaar of the Asian Development Bank. Services to be made available to the public include nutrition assessment and counseling and distribution of IEC materials on nutrition.
World Food Day is celebrated every 16 October in commemoration of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945.
Agricultural cooperatives – key to feeding the world is the theme for this year’s World Food Day celebration. The theme highlights the role of cooperatives in improving food security and contributing to the eradication of hunger.
Come October, through Presidential Proclamation No. 267, NNC together with the entire country will celebrate the 20th National Children’s Month. The celebration is done annually to recognize and emphasize the important role of children within the Filipino family and in nation building. Section 13, Article II of the Philippine Constitution affirms, “The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.”
In support to the celebration of the National Children’s Month with this year’s theme, “Bright Child ay Siguraduhin, Responsableng Pamamahayag ay Palaganapin,” NNC Central Office has enjoined its regional offices to conduct activities in line with the celebration like hanging of streamer and encouraging the local nutrition community and the NNC local media groups to do the same; disseminating information about children and local activities of the celebration through the NNC regional web pages; and featuring 2012 Children’s Month celebration in the activities of the regional media group on nutrition and include the same in current media activities in the region.
The Council for the Welfare of Children spearheads the nationwide celebration of children’s month and is the lead agency in the promotion and safeguarding the rights of children by virtue of Presidential Decree 603.
To know more about National Children’s Month, go to the CWC website at www.cwc.gov.ph.
5-7 September 2012 --The National Nutrition Council conducted an orientation on the mobilization of community support for infant and young child feeding under the MDGF 2030: Ensuring Food Security and Nutrition for Children 0-24 Months Old in the Philippines Joint Programme at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila. 35 participants from the JP areas including their respective provinces and Centers for Health Development in the regions of JP areas attended the said orientation. The JP is implemented in three urban areas and three rural sites: Naga City and Ragay, Camarines Sur; Iloilo City and Carles, Iloilo; and Zamboanga City and Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur. After the orientation, the JP areas will conduct roll-out trainings in the barangays to facilitate the provision of group and individual counselling using peer counselling methodology to pregnant women and mothers with infants and young children.
In the conduct of IYCF trainings in the past years, it was noted that health and nutrition workers needed additional skills on community mobilization in order to be able to organize support groups that will do counselling and sustain the support groups, thus the guide on the mobilization process was developed in coordination with the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control of the Department of Health, local government units, World Health Organization and UNICEF. The said guide will be supplemented with the use of the new IYCF Counselling Cards developed by UNICEF, NNC and DOH for use in the country based on the international version of UNICEF.
Katumbas ay Biyaya Season 7 is a 30-minute radio program that tackles nutrition and health related topics. The program airs on DZRH every Saturday, 10:30 - 11:00 am.
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