Two Iloilo towns win nutrition award
Iloilo -- The municipalities of Calinog and New Lucena of this province were cited along with three other institutions in the country for their outstanding nutrition and health programs.
Provincial Nutrition Program Coordinator Rosarie San Luis said that the nutrition programs of Calinog and New Lucena were nominated and qualified for the Search for the Five Outstanding Nutrition and Health Programs in the Philippines and eventually, after further evaluation, were among the top five awardees.
The search launched by Nestle Philippines, Inc. aims to recognize exceptional health programs in the country and encourage and honor individuals or institutions whose nutrition and health programs are worthy of emulation in effectively addressing priority "wellness" issues in different localities. It covers health and nutrition areas that include healthy diet campaigns, fitness programs, nu trition education effectiveness, and lifestyle change programs.
San Luis said Calinog was recognized for its Calinog Nutrition Committee Program while New Lucena for its LGU-Nutri-Health Program.
The Calinog Nutrition Committee Program aims to improve the nutritional status of the most vulnerable groups in the community that includes malnourished children and mothers. Activities include intensive health education classes, feeding programs, construction of day care centers and barangay health centers and barangay health stations and distribution of family planning supplies to couples with malnourshed children.
On the other hand, the New Lucena LGU Nutri-Health Program targets to lower the number of malnourished children and increase access to potable water and sanitary toilets in the municipality. Activities include micronutrient supplementation and nutrition education for the benefit of malnourished children.
The award along with the cash prize of P100,000, for each winner San Luis said, will be received by the awardees on March 16, 2006 at the Westin Philippine Plaza Hotel in Manila.
"This award manifests that the local government of Calinog prioritizes the implementation of its nutrition and health related programs that benefit the children and mother s in the municipality. This also shows the commitment of our health workers in implementing responsive nutrition programs", said Calinog Mayor Alex Centena.
Calinog also topped other local government units in last year's Search for Outstanding Nutrition Program Implementor in the province.
(PIA)