IN PHOTO: NNC-RONDA-1 and NNC-HIMSoG8 members with Mayor Myra Georgina Arevalo of Palompon, Leyte during the courtesy visit held on July 15, 2019. The National Nutrition Council Region 1 and its media organization partner in nutrition promotion (Regional Organization of Nutrition Development Advocates in Region 1 or RONDA1 Inc.) recently met with National Nutrition Council Region 8 and its media organization counterpart – Harmonized Initiatives of Media for the Spread of Good Nutrition in Region 8) HIMSoG8 in Tacloban City for the conduct of a local media plan program implementation review (PIR) and technical exchange visit.

The three-day activity included a visit to Palo- Palompon, Nutriskwela Community Radio Station, Radyo Kausbawan, interview with Palompon Mayor Myra Georgina Arevalo and Technical Exchange between RONDA1 and HIMSoG8.

NNC RO1 Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Ma. Eileen Bringas-Blanco expressed her gratitude to NNC RO8 led by Dr. Catalino Dotollo Jr., Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of Region 8, and HIMSoG8 led by DYOG Radyo Pilipinas Calbayog Station Manager and HIMSoG8 President Antonio C. Pueblos for hosting the technical exchange program in their area.


The group was welcomed by Dr. Norberto C. Olivades, President of Palompon Institute of Technology. During the program, RONDA1 led by its President, DZMQ Radyo Pilipinas Dagupan Station Manager Bernie Errasquin shared to HIMSoG8 the different programs of NNC RO1 – RONDA1 Inc. in promoting and advocating good nutrition in region 1. HIMSoG8 also presented their programs to RONDA1. Sharing of ideas by the two media groups paved the way to several additional programs which are yet to be polished by the groups to further promote good and proper nutrition in their respective areas.

Meanwhile, Ms. Rothelia Maria Ugsad, Radyo Kausbawan Station Manager also shared to the group the mission and achievements of their radio programs in promoting proper nutrition for the residents of Palompon and neighboring towns in their province.

Aside from the technical exchange between NNC RO1 – RONDA1 and NNC RO8 – HIMSoG8, the activity has also served as a venue for an additional Lakbay-Aral for the members of RONDA 1 Inc. in discovering the history, culture and ways of the residents in Region 8, as they visited the Mangrove Sanctuary in Tabuk Island, San Juanico Bridge, Yolanda Shipwreck, Sto. Nino Shrine, St. Nino Church, and McArthur Park .

Also present during the three – day technical exchange visit were Mr. Kendall Pilgrim A. Gatan, Nutrition Officer III of NNC RO1, Ms. Wylibeth Lumpias, Nutrition Officer I, Ms. Milagros L. Abuan of the Multi-Sectoral Governance Council, Ms. Celestina Paz of DWFB Laoag, Dr. Gloria Tuzon and Ms. Gina Villanueva of Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (Nutriskwela – Radyo Kailian), Ms. Charity J. Frianeza and Ms. Maricel M. Fronda of DZAG Radyo Pilipinas Agoo, Mr. Romeo Umipig of DWRS Radyo Pilipinas Tayug, Mr. Cesar Obar of The Weekly City Bulletin and Mr. Harry Peralta of the Ilocos Herald. (by Maricel Montemayor – Fronda, DZAG Radyo Pilipinas – Agoo)