LAOAG CITY, July 15 (PIA) – The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 1 has launched the 48th Nutrition Month celebration with a joint regional and provincial opening program in Ilocos Norte province.
 
During the launching program, NNC Region 1, Ilocos Norte Provincial Nutrition Action Office, and the Provincial Department of Health Office (PDOHO) also brought various health and nutrition services to the attendees.

A COVID-19 vaccination and free nutrition consultation were conducted that benefitted a hundred participants.
 
During an interview with the PIA Ilocos Norte radio program, Danggay iti Panagdur-as, Kendall Pilgrim Gatan, officer-in-charge of the NNC Region 1, discussed that this year’s theme, “New Normal na Nutrisyon, Sama-samang Gawan ng Solusyon,” is a call for unity and collaboration of different health stakeholders to work together to promote and maintain proper nutrition among the people.

“’Yong tema natin call for pagkakaisa, so we call for collaboration among various stakeholders, it’s high time for us to be part of the solution. Solusyunan natin ang problema sa malnutrisyon in this new normal. And of course, let’s build resilience and recovery from this pandemic,” Gatan said.

During the launching program, weighing scales and height boards were also distributed to some Barangay Health Offices to update their equipment for more accurate data on malnutrition and stunting cases in the province.
 
The annual celebration of Nutrition Month is credited to the Presidential Decree 491 s. 1974 or the Nutrition Act of the Philippines that was signed by then President Ferdinand Marcos. (JCR/AMB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)