The Food Fortification Law (RA 8976) and the NNC GB Resolution No. 1, S. 2019 provide for different agencies and organizations to undertake various actions to implement and scale up the rice fortification program. On 4 May 2022, Assistant Secretary and Executive Director Dr. Azucena Dayanghirang convened these agencies and organizations, including the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines (NFP), Nutrition International (NI), University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), and World Food Programme (WFP), via Zoom for an initial discussion with the National Nutrition Council (NNC) on the implementation of the rice fortification program.
WFP Head of Programme Mr. Giorgi Dolidze and Ms. Carleneth San Valentin presented the WFP Initiatives on Rice Fortification in the Philippines, while the WFP Study on Rice Fortification Capacities, Supply Chain, and Campaign Initiatives in the Philippines was presented by the project leader, Mr. Hector Maglalang from the Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines, for information as well as discussion by the group.
On the other hand, NNC presented what went well in the previous years, the various accomplishments of our national government agencies in implementing the rice fortification program, as well as the ways forward for rice fortification in the Philippines. In conclusion, Asec. Dayanghirang encouraged the development partners to continue to participate in the Sub-TWG and consultative meetings to further identify issues and concerns in the implementation of rice fortification, provide technical assistance, and identify possible funding support for the rice fortification program.
ASec. Dayanghirang was joined by OIC-NPPD Ms. Arlene Reario and Nutrition Officer Jaira Pedraja.
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