To thresh out plans for the nutrition program of the province, the Provincial Nutrition Council held its first regular consultative meeting on March 29 at El Jardine Restaurant, located within the Capitol Complex.

Earlier Governor Amado I. Espino III reconstituted the PNC through Executive Order 0004-2021 in January last year for the members to carry out different nutrition projects in the province.

Despite the pandemic, the PNC was able to conduct different activities like dietary supplementation program, Pilipinas Kontra Gutom, Tutok Kainan, among others.

As reported by Ms. Analiza S. Miranda, Nutritionist-Dietitian and Nutrition Program Manager, Pilipinas Kontra Gutom-Lahat Kasali, Lahat Kasalo, aims to provide sustainable solutions on food availability, increased food accessibility, adequacy of food nutrition, and assistance in hunger-stricken communities during times of disasters and calamities.

Hence, she added that Pangasinan was a recipient of 3,230 food packs from the National Nutrition Council (NNC) wherein these were distributed to 32 different local government units (LGUs). Out of these LGUs, six municipalities which has 200 pregnant mothers participated in the ceremonial distribution held on September last year. The six LGUs include Aguilar, Mangatarem, Lingayen,  Sual, Calasiao and San Jacinto.

Meanwhile, the following agenda were presented in the consultative meeting: Reconstitution of PNC for 2022, Annual Operational Plan of PHO Nutrition Program, Deworming Program, Dietary Supplementation Program for Pregnant Women, MELLPI 2022, among others.

Dr. Shayne DS. Boling, PHO Family Health Cluster Head, who was present during the consultative meeting, thanked the participants as she urge the PNC members to work harder to achieve the goals set by the provincial government for the various nutrition plans, projects and activities.

In addition, the PNC members suggested for the continuous active participation of the academe by teaching the pupils about the “Go-Grow-Glow’food. Parents are likewise encouraged to prepare healthy and nutritious food for their family to avoid obesity and overweight problems.

PNC member offices also presented their accomplishment reports on nutrition during the meeting.

/Ruby R. Bernardino