PROMO Nutri Com, the local media group of MIMAROPA, together with NNC – MIMAROPA, conducted the Palawan Nutrition Stakeholders’ Forum at The Bayleaf Hotel, Intramuros, Manila last 28^th of April 2014. The activity aimed to converge Palaweños’ efforts to fight malnutrition. A total of 78 participants came consisting of 3 Regional Directors namely Dir. Eduardo C. Janairo of Department of Health (DOH), Dir. Cristina Castillo of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and Dir. Ma. Josefina P. Abilay of Department of Science and Technology (DOST); 10 Municipal Mayors from Palawan; 16 Regional Nutrition Committee representatives; World Vision Representative; Provincial Government of Palawan Representatives including the Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO), Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer (PSWDO), Medical Nutrition Program Coordinator (MNPC); 11 Municipal Nutrition Action Officers; 3 Municipal Health Officers (MHOs); and 20 other Local Government Unit (LGU) representatives.

Highlights of the said event were the presentation of the nutrition situation of Palawan, delivered by Dr. Louie R. Ocampo, MNPC, and the different nutrition programs done to address nutrition problems reported by PNAO Rachel T. Paladan, and the expression and signing of commitments of local chief executives, national government agencies, and other nutrition stakeholders in support of nutrition programs.

Moreover, to boost up and inspire the Palawan’s nutrition stakeholders and leaders, Hon. Mayor Lucena D. Demaala of Narra, Palawan, the Outstanding Municipality in Palawan from 2010 to 2012, and Hon. Mayor Senen M. Livelo Jr., together with MHO Dr. Edzel L. Muhi of Mogpog, Marinduque, 2010 CROWN (Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition) Awardee, had a chance to speak and share their good practices in their own municipalities.

With the belief that fight against malnutrition needs to be intensified, Dir. Abilay showed support by discussing updates on DOST’s initiatives in combating malnutrition in MIMAROPA that includes regional roll-out and feeding  implementation of complementary baby food (instant baby food and snack food) developed by FNRI-DOST.

In addition to this, OIC-RNPC Santiago reminded the honorable mayors about their important role as leaders and provider of overall direction essential to fully realize Palawan’s Municipal Nutrition Action Plans that will make them a true nutrition champion. Furthermore, Nutrition Officer III Donnah May S. Guevarra discussed and stressed out the Ten (10) Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos that reminded all nutrition stakeholders about the basic nutrition information and related interventions to address malnutrition.

To complement all encouragement given to Palaweños, Dir. Janairo, Chair of Regional Nutrition Committee, stated his support by inspiring everyone to never lose hope in fighting malnutrition problem. He also emphasized that unless man is properly nourished, he will not become a nation’s asset. Other nutrition partners who gave statement of support are LGUs through Hon. Mayor Lucena D. Demaala, President of League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Palawan Chapter, media through Mr. Voltaire N. Dequina, President of PROMO Nutri Com, and NGOs through Ms. Marijo S. Gomez, Health Nutrition Specialist of World Vision.

Hereunder is the list of names of Mayors and Vice Mayor who actively participated in the said forum: