City of San Fernando Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago on Monday led the signing of Pledge of Commitment to support the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022.
City Councilors Angie Hizon, BJ Lagman, Harvey Quiwa and Reden Halili; City Administrator Engr. Fernando Limbitco, City Health Officer Dr. Eloisa Aquino and other department heads; Nutrition Policy and Planning Division Chief Maria Lourdes Vega, Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Anna Maria Rosaldo and representatives from Pampanga Medical Society and the private sector have all vowed to support the PPAN.
The pledge states that member agencies shall address lifestyle program, mobilization for delivery of nutritional outcomes, enhance policy development for food and nutrition, strengthen management support, implement strategic nutrition intervention, and allot appropriate funds to achieve all necessary requirements so as to provide an effective and efficient quality service delivery to reach out the nutritionally at risk population.
PPAN is the blueprint for the programs and interventions on nutrition in the country. For 2017-2022, the National Nutrition Council seeks to achieve significant reduction on malnutrition and targets to have less Filipinos who are short, thin, obese and overweight.
In support, the local government also formed an Executive Order creating strategies in attaining and sustaining improved nutrition through the implementation of the PPAN.
Santiago, in his speech, said the City Health Office continues to initiate and localized programs in response to malnutrition. This includes the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding, child and adult care food program, and dietary supplementation.
He also ensured that every Fernandino has an economic access to food, employment, livelihood and a livable environment.
“Dito sa San Fernando tinitiyak namin na bago pa isilang ang isang Fernandino hanggang sa siya ay tumanda ay may mga nakalaan ng programa para sa kanya at sa kanyang pamilya. Hangad namin na maging malusog ang lahat para sa mas masiglang komunidad,” Santiago added.