The Provincial Health Office (PHO) led the celebration of the 50th Nutrition Month in Bataan with a series of activities aimed at addressing the triple burden of malnutrition.
This year’s theme, “Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat!” aligns with the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028 and supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Rosanna Buccahan emphasized the importance of the ongoing fight against malnutrition.
“We appreciate everyone for accepting the challenge to fight malnutrition. Nutrition programs are challenging, especially for our Municipal Nutrition Action Officers and Barangay Nutrition Scholars at the grassroots level, who face many obstacles. Despite this, Bataan’s validation is consistently positive,” she said.
Buccahan also highlighted the new validation tools introduced by the National Nutrition Council, which now include the weighing of school children.
“This is a challenge for us because we all know there are many difficulties in weighing,” she added.
Despite previous successes, Buccahan stressed the need for continuous efforts.
“We should meet all the parameters because this will indicate that the Bataeños have good nutrition, specifically children under five years old and school children,” she noted.
She emphasized that the annual celebration of Nutrition Month reminds us of the issues we need to address in the community and schools to improve nutritional status.
District Nutrition Program Coordinator Alson Jun Domingo outlined the 2024 Nutrition Month Talking Points, aiming to increase awareness and support for the PPAN.
“The objectives for 2024 are to generate participation and commitments for increased support for the PPAN among stakeholders from government, local government units, non-government organizations, business, civil society, and communities,” Domingo explained.
He emphasized the importance of well-nourished individuals in living healthy and productive lives.
“Because every life is important, everyone needs to be well-nourished to live a healthy and productive life,” he said.
Domingo also highlighted the key messages of the celebration, focusing on reducing stunting and obesity through the PPAN.
“Beat the triple burden of malnutrition with the triple strategy of PPAN. The triple burden of undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies can be overcome with the triple strategy of the PPAN of healthier diets, improved nutrition practices, and access to nutrition and related services,” he concluded.
In addition to the discussions, Department of Science and Technology Central Luzon Laboratory Technician Randy Jimenez and Calibration Officer Ivan Fritz Sagmit conducted training for the calibration of Operation Timbang equipment.
The celebration also included a nutrition program awarding ceremony, recognizing outstanding contributions to nutrition efforts.
PHO and the Provincial Nutrition Committee awarded Dinalupihan as the Most Outstanding Municipal Nutrition Committee.
Dolores Mangulabnan from the municipality of Dinalupihan and Krischell Joy Tuazon from the municipality of Orani, on the other hand, jointly received the award for Most Outstanding Municipal Nutrition Action Officer.
And lastly, Karl Engelene Poblete from the municipality of Samal was honored as the Most Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar.
PHO’s comprehensive approach and recognition of exemplary efforts underscore the province’s commitment to improving nutrition and combating malnutrition. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)