National Nutrition Council MIMAROPA spearheaded by Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Ma. Eileen Blanco takes action to address the nutrition situation in Oriental Mindoro. Assisted by DMO II Bianca Estrella and AA III Uno Anies, NPC Blanco conducted series of advocacy meetings in the province of Oriental Mindoro including the municipalities of Mansalay, Bulalacao and Bongabong on 16-18 January 2023.

NPC Blanco met with Provincial Health Office, Officer-in-Charge Dr. Cielo Angela Ante and Governor Humerlito Dolor on the first day of the visit to discuss the current nutrition situation of Oriental Mindoro and strategies to improve nutrition program. Governor Dolor committed to fight malnutrition by prioritizing nutrition through effective and efficient programs on food security, safe water, and capacity building for health and nutrition workers. He also assured to address the problems of indigenous peoples by opening roads to easily reach the IP community and intensify nutrition education among them. Dr. Ante also emphasized that the provincial government of Oriental Mindoro will provide assistance in the conduct Operation Timbang Plus through validation visits to each municipalities.

Advocacy meetings have also been done by NNC MIMAROPA to Mayor Ferdinand Maliwanag of Mansalay, Mayor Ernilo Villas of Bulalacao and Mayor Elegio Malaluan of Bongabong to strategize activities and strategies to address the prevailing problems of malnutrition particularly stunting, wasting, and underweight in their respective municipalities.

The visit was productive for NNC MIMAROPA as it created support from the local chief executives and committed to prioritize nutrition with the support from the provincial government and Provincial Health Office.

Written by: DMO II Bianca Estrella