The National Nutrition Council Region III launched the simple celebration last July 1, 2013 at the DOH-CHD3 Compound Regional Government Center, Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. This was held during the Unified Flag Raising Ceremony, being done every first Monday of the month. Around 681 employees representing various government agencies were in attendance. The welcome and opening message was delivered by Director Leonita P. Gorgolon, of DOH-CHD 3. She shared with the audience the current programs and priorities of the CHD particularly along preventive health and nutrition. Director Eliza D. Salon Regional Director-DBM and current President of Central Luzon Association of Regional Officers (CLARO ) emphasized the importance not only of the Nutrition Month Celebration but also encouraged everyone to observe and walk the tenets of good nutrition. ARD Chris Bautista of DA-RFU 3 shared their major contribution in line with the Nutrition Month theme and that is along conservation of staple food especially rice as well as the use of rice substitutes. He also announced 2013 as the “National Year of Rice”.
The Launching was led by our Region III Nutrition Program Coordinator Ms. Victoria N. Man?ez where she stated facts about the growing problems of our country, hunger and malnutrition. She also cited the significance of their participation in the Regional Launching in support to ending Hunger depicting the theme “Gutom at Malnutrisyon, sama-sama nating wakasan”. She enjoined everyone to have an active participation in whole month celebration by doing simple acts like planting in the backyard and promotion of exclusive breast feeding. To highlight the importance of the event, NPC Mañez led everyone to recite the Pledge to End Hunger and Malnutrition.
Trivias about nutrition were also presented by the NNC Region III staff. The program ended by an intermission number performed by the Day Care children from the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) of DSWD Region III and a ZUMBA dance-exercise led by DOH-CHD 3 where everyone was encouraged to have fun, lose weight and be fit. The Central Luzon Association of Regional Officers breakfast meeting was held afterwards where NPC Mañez discussed the Nutrition Month Talking Points with fellow CLARO members.
