LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Provincial Health Officer I Dr. Cielo E. Almoite bared the downturn of the malnutrition rate in the province of Pangasinan during the 7th Barangay Nutrition Scholars Congress held at the Hotel Consuelo Resort and Chinese Restaurant, here, on December 13.
“Napakababa na po ng ating malnutrition rate ngayong 2017 kumpara noong nakaraang taon,” Dr. Almoite stressed in her remarks as she noted the successful undertakings and developments in health programs of the provincial government, chiefly, in addressing malnutrition in the province.
Based on the records of the Provincial Health Office, from 2.18% malnutrition rate in the province in 2016 the percentage went down to 1.76% this year made possible through the efforts and contributions of the barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) in the execution of the nutrition programs and other health advocacies of the provincial government.
Dr. Almoite, who ably represented Provincial Health Officer II and Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Anna Ma. Teresa S. De Guzman, lauded the participants for their service and contributions to make Pangasinenses healthy.
“Bilang volunteers po na tumutulong sa mga barangay sa kalusugan o sa nutrisyon sa iba’t ibang munisipyo dito sa ating probinsya, kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa inyo dahil kahit hindi po Christmas ay binibigyan niyo po kami ng regalo.” Dr. Almoite stated as she noted the invaluable efforts of the nutrition advocates to decipher malnutrition and other health issues in Pangasinan.
“Sa ating provincial government, sa pangunguna po ni Governor Amado I. Espino, III, kalusugan po ang isa sa kanyang priorities,” Dr. Almoite added.
Some of the topics discussed during the program are the following: Food Fortification featuring Iron Fortified Rice and Mental Health Awareness.
The congress aims to equip BNS in the implementation of Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022 as a framework of action for nutrition improvement and to update the BNS on the delivery of services of the Provincial Health Office – 2017 Operation Timbang Plus and management of the Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).
The 7th Provincial Barangay Nutrition Scholars Congress, sponsored by the provincial government of Pangasinan and organized by the Provincial Health Office in partnership with the National Nutrition Council (NNC), is anchored on the theme: “Kaming mga Barangay Nutrition Scholars, sama-sama naming kamtan, mga Gawain at serbisyong pang-nutrisyon at pangkalusugan siguradong panalo ang buong lalawigan ng Pangasinan.”
By Dexter A. See