A ceremonial turnover of NNC’s BARMM Regional Leadership was held at Sweet Bliss Café, Cotabato City last 17 February 2023. Outgoing OIC Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, Retsebeth M. Laquihon, RND, MPD, MDM welcomed the new OIC Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, Marilyn C. Valeza, RND.

Assistant Secretary and Executive Director IV Azucena M. Dayanghirang, MD, MCH, CESO III gave an inspirational message and support to the newly appointed OIC RNPC and thanked RNPC Retsebeth M. Laquihon for her valuable services rendered in BARMM.

Dr. Maleja D. Jaamil, on behalf of MP Dr. Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr., DPBO of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority also gave his message of support and ensured that they are always open to extend assistance to NNC BARMM.      

Outgoing OIC Retsebeth M. Laquihon presented the profile of BARMM, regional nutrition situation and highlights of accomplishment of BARMM in 2022 as well as the current and forthcoming activities of the region. It was followed by the symbolic turn-over of key, NNC banner, WFP 2023, RPAN 2023-2028 & NNC BARMM personnel.

In her acceptance speech, OIC Marilyn C. Valeza expressed her gratitude and wholeheartedly accepted the challenges to improve the nutrition situation and nutrition program and services in BARMM. Further, she said that if there is teamwork among the staff and unity together with the stakeholders and Development Partners the nutrition situation of BARMM will be improved.

The turnover ceremony ended up with the community singing of “Imagine” by John Lennon. NNC BARMM would like to thank outgoing RNPC Retsebeth M. Laquihon for serving NNC BARMM, despite this limited time she bloomed and transformed the NNC BARMM with his exceptional leadership and dedicated service.

Author: PDO1 Reyhana Anne Masukat, RND and NPC Marilyn Valeza, RND