The National Nutrition Council Region IX (NNC 9) successfully conducted the Nutrition Month Virtual Thematic Symposium last 7-8 July 2021 via Google Meet with over 100 participants across the region. The regional office headed by the Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Ms. Nimfa D. Ekong was beyond blessed with the overwhelming support from the Nutrition Action Officers, Nutrition Program Coordinators, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, Local Nutrition Committee members and even from the private sectors. The aim of the thematic symposium is to gather all our nutrition frontliners to disseminate information on the first 1000 days of life for the future of the child that further emphasizes the importance of good nutrition during the first 1000 days of the child’s life as a strategic intervention to prevent stunting and obesity.

In line with this year’s theme, “Malnutrisyon Patuloy na Labanan, First 1000 Days Tutukan!”, the campaign can only be achieved with the collaborative efforts from the national government, local government units, private sectors, media, civil society and the academe. In support to the call to work together to eliminate all forms of malnutrition, raise new #Laking1000 generation of Filipinos achieving their full potential by Executive Director Dr. Azucena Dayanghirang, DILG Provincial Directors Engr. Mario A. Baterna of Zamboanga Sibugay and Mr. Oliver B. Ombos of Zamboanga del Norte, together with OIC-Provincial Health Officer Dr. Robert T. Capatoy of Zamboanga del Sur, expressed their utmost support to nutrition to create a positive impact on their respective areas of concern. During his Support Message, DILG PD Baterna even mentioned, “Malnutrition is not only a major public health problem especially to children but also an economic issue as well”. These remarks of his enlighten the participants that malnutrition is a serious problem that needs to be addressed by all.

The online activity highlighted the presentation of 2021 Nutrition Month talking points and other relevant concerns like the launching of the Regional Social Media Award, and presentation of the contest mechanics for Nutri-Jingle Dance Contest and Nutri-TikTok Dance Challenge. Having successfully conducted the online activity, NNC 9 is very much positive that the event achieved its objective of unifying all participants to engage in the desire of putting an end to the ever-pressing problems of malnutrition to produce a well-nourished, healthy and productive F1K generation in the future. Together, we can make a difference. Therefore, be one of the spoons to make a difference!

NO II Joanna Marie E. Baltazar