Photos and text by Karen Joyce Pumaren & Ma. Therese Taghap/UPV Interns
The Iloilo provincial government, through the Provincial Nutrition Council, kicked off its celebration of the 48th Nutrition Month with the theme, “New Normal na Nutrisyon, Sama-samang Gawan ng Solusyon" on July 4, 2022 at the Capitol lobby.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon presented Executive Order No. 307 series of 2022 or an order implementing Project Nutrivac: Nutrition and Vaccination Towards a New Normal in the province.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said Project Nutrivac aims to boost the vaccination coverage of the province as well as implement nutrition actions to strengthen the health of the general public.
“Through Project Nutrivac, we can pursue and implement the issuances of the Department of Health on nutrition and at the same on COVID-19. Let us combine our nutrition program with our vaccination program,” Defensor said.
Mr. Reginaldo T. Guillen, Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of the National Nutrition Council Region VI lauded the initiatives of the province in responding to the pandemic and its substantial programs on nutrition.
“On behalf of our executive secretary, the National Nutrition Council wishes the provincial government of Iloilo best of luck in battling COVID-19 and pursuing the objectives of eradicating malnutrition in the province,” Guillen said.
The celebration was also highlighted by the ceremonial distribution of Nutrivac packs to recipient municipalities namely Ajuy, San Rafael, Estancia, Lemery, Concepcion, Maasin, Pavia, Guimbal, and Passi City.
A commitment of support towards a malnutrion-free province was also signed by Governor Defensor; Dr. Quiñon; representatives from Municipal Health Offices, Department of Health Region VI, Iloilo povincial government, Provincial Nutrition Council: and the media.
Defensor, Quiñon and Guillen then proceeded to the Casa Real de Iloilo to lead the ribbon-cutting for the opening of the Nutri-Agri Fair.
Other activities of the month-long celebration include nutrition counseling on special diets, food tasting, and cooking demonstration of low-cost nutrition recipe.
There is also a Nutri Talk Facebook Live via Nutrisyon Diary on July 5, 6, 7, 11, and 14.
