NNC Bicol urges new local leaders to prioritize nutrition programs

The National Nutrition Council in Bicol (NNC-5) has called on newly elected local chief executives in the region to put health and nutrition at the forefront of their governance agendas.

Director Emerenciana Francia, NNC-5 Officer-in-Charge, said local leaders play a vital role in strengthening programs that tackle malnutrition.

“As local chief executives, you will chair our local nutrition committees, whether as governors, mayors, or barangay leaders. A functional committee means having a timely plan that includes both nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive programs, as well as enabling programs developed by our local government units,” Francia said during the launch of National Nutrition Month, which has the theme *”Food at Nutrition Security, Maging Priority, Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin.”*

She emphasized that for these programs to succeed, proper funding and consistent implementation are essential.

“Once the plan is funded, it must be implemented without realignment of the budget to ensure the nutrition programs are upheld. Proper monitoring is required to ensure government resources are effectively utilized,” she added.

Francia highlighted the significance of nutrition-specific programs in addressing malnutrition, such as those targeting mothers and children. These include iron supplementation for pregnant women, weight monitoring, and breastfeeding promotion for infants.

It promotes exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and introduces complementary feeding for children aged 6 to 23 months.

“We have the Philippine Integrated Malnutrition Program, which identifies children suffering from severe acute malnutrition and connects their mothers with appropriate services for treatment,” she said.

She also urged LGUs to ensure the availability of micronutrient supplementation and dietary support, especially for children and expectant mothers.

“We also address overweight and obesity prevention and management and have measures in place for nutrition in emergencies, ensuring vulnerable groups receive care during disasters,” she added.

In celebration of Nutrition Month, NNC-5 has lined up various community engagement activities such as a quiz competition for barangay nutrition scholars, a poster-making contest for schoolchildren, and collaborative events involving both government and non-government stakeholders.