In the move to become a well-organized and recognized association, 35 members of the District/City Nutrition Program Coordinators’ Association of the Philippines, Inc. (D/CNPCAP) – Calabarzon gathered together in a virtual General Assembly last September 25.

The event is conducted annually to discuss organizational issues and concerns; provide relevant nutrition updates to the members; and strengthen camaraderie among the delegates through participation in fellowship opportunities. This year, some Municipal Nutrition Program Coordinators (MNPCs) from Cavite Province joined in the Virtual General Assembly.

“Help us conduct our work with the spirit of joy and enthusiasm” — excerpts from the prayer of Mr. Judd Carlo C. Castillo, CNPC of San Pedro City — was echoed by Ms. Carina Z. Santiago, Calabarzon’s Nutrition Program Coordinator, during her opening message. Ms.. Santiago likewise encouraged everyone in the assembly to cooperate and participate in the activities.

Ms. Marietta DG. Dogelio, the President of the D/CNPCAP CALABARZON, led the discussions and finalization of the constitution and by laws of the association. The agreements were: 1) Include the Municipal Nutrition Program Coordinators (MNPCs) to become regular members of the association, and change the name to “District/City/Municipal Nutrition Program Coordinators’ Association of the Philippines (D/C/MNPCAP) – Calabarzon; 2) Adjust the terms “municipal” and “chapter” in the Constitution and by-laws and in the logo; 3) for new members to submit profile sheet, including the MNPCs, to update the directory; and 4) to fill all the vacant positions in the list of officers and committee heads.

In the President’s Report, Ms. Dogelio presented the accomplishments of the association during her term and the proposed plans for the next 3 years, which includes the approval of the constitution and by-laws of the association, SEC registration and team building of the D/C/MNPCs. Moreover, Ms. Perlita A. Castrillo of Santa Rosa City, CNPC and Treasurer of the DCMNPCAP CALABARZON, reported the national and annual dues of the members of the association.

The comments and suggestions raised by the participants in the assembly contributed in the enhancement and finalization of the association’s constitution and by-laws.

Another highlight in the event was the election of officers to some vacant positions. The following are the new officers: Ms. Dessa May Alibangbang (Cavite Province) as Vice-President; Ms. Joan Z. Decena (Quezon Province) as Public Relations Officer (PRO); and Mr. Bedwyr Cliff Maranan (Quezon Province) as Chair of the Grievance Committee.

By: Mary Emerene P. Pingol, RND