BUTUAN CITY – National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga, Officer-in-Charge Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator (OIC-RNPC), Dr. Niño Archie Labordo had a courtesy visit to  Agusan del Sur, Provincial Administrator, Sir Ronulfo R. Paler, on 8 April 2022 at the Provincial Capitol Building, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

OIC-RNPC Labordo extended his gratitude to the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) for its continued support of nutrition program implementation, especially on the Dietary Supplementation Program – Tutok Kainan (DSP-TK) that will be implemented to 13 Local Government Units (LGUs) of this province with children ages 6-23 months old as its beneficiaries.

Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Laniebelle Angchangco shared the current nutrition situation, emphasizing the stunting prevalence of the province that made the province one of the beneficiaries of DSP-TK. She also added that media platforms help nutrition advocates to increase the awareness of the people on nutrition and nutrition programs.
The Maternal Health Coordinator, Ms. Annabelle Dela Cruz also added to the importance of Adolescent Health-Friendly Facilities. The facility is specifically for pregnant teenagers and teenagers who have any health situations. This aims to provide a friendly atmosphere and the staff for adolescents who are hesitant to communicate their situations or issues openly to their families, peers or other people.

To further improve the nutrition situation of the province, Provincial Administrator Paler recommended the strengthening of nutrition education and involvement of the Provincial Nutrition Office during pre-marriage counseling. The nutrition education should include proper Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices and the importance of the first 1000 days for the prevention of any nutrition-related issues. This would help the soon-to-be parents to provide appropriate child rearing practices to their future children.

Present in the visit are Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO) Laniebelle Angchangco, Maternal Health Coordinator Annabelle Dela Cruz, Provincial Nutrition Focal Point (PNFP) Mariella Rayco and Administrative Aide VI (AAVI) Mellaine Joyce Banton. #MPRayco