NNC Caraga in celebration of Nutrition Month with the theme “Malnutrisyon Patuloy na Labanan, First 1000 Days Tutokan” conducted a nutrition information dissemination through a Nutrition Symposium on July 21, 2021 at Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City to discuss the importance of the First 1000 Days and its critical interventions; strategies to scale up actions to address malnutrition particularly stunting and the First 1000 days strategies which includes nutrition specific and sensitive programs in the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2017-2022. A total of 50 participants attended. The Sangguniang Kabataan of Butuan City, regional line agencies and different BNS Federation Officers and members actively participated the said event.
OIC-Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, Ms Retsebeth M. Laquihon opened the symposium and welcomed the participants. She also gave the overview of the nutrition month and of the activity. Regional Director Alexander Makinano of Commission on Population discussed “Integration of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Services in Nutrition" including the consequences of teenage pregnancy and its interventions. Ms. Teresita Lina Medrano, the DOH Nutrition Program Coordinator tackled "Maternal Nutrition and Infant and Young Child Feeding in the Context of Covid 19.” Breastfeeding Nanays sa Caraga Co-founder, Ms. Rhea Carampatana-Mendez shared good practices and their initiatives to support the campaign on breastfeeding and complementary feeding among pregnant and young children.
The participants also shared their thoughts and understanding about good nutrition during the first 1000 days of life. They also declared their pledge of commitment. Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Cynth Zephanie Nietes said that she supported the 47th Nutrition Month, the nutrition program and also the prevention of teenage pregnancy and she added that these advocacies need stronger support through policies and legislation.
(NO II LVPVargas/OIC-RNPC RMLaquihon)
