The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Regional Office I headed by Mr. Kendall Gatan, OIC- Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, in close coordination with the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Networks in Region I, held the first regional gathering and appreciation day for selected SUN Networks for Academe, Civil Society Alliance, Business and Youth Sectors in Region I at the Nutridense FMC Pavilion, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan on May 24, 2024.

The University of Northern Philippines, through the UNP Hospital headed by Dr. Marsha Michelle L. Cabuena, was represented by Ms. Andreissa Fae G. Sabado. She joined the event, together with the delegates from the Pangasinan State University, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, and Don Mariano Marcos State University.

The said activity was attended by more than 50 nutrition partners from different sectors in the region. It was graced by Ms. Mary Jane Ortega, the keynote speaker and the Regional Development Council–I (RDC-I) co-chairperson.

During the event, the SUN Network shared their roles and functions.

Mr. Racky Doctor, regional convenor, SUN-BN Region 1 member, and regional nutrition committee member, delivered the opening message.

The SUN Business (SUN-BN) Network was represented by Mr. Jose Gabriel Dimalanta of the national secretariat. The SUN-Civil Society Alliance (SUN-CSA) was represented by Ms. Dannabel Vilar, regional convenor for SUN-CSA and program officer of World Vision.

The SUN-Academe was represented by Prof. Geraldine Nineza, regional convenor and a faculty member from Pangasinan State University–Nutrition Department. The youth sector was led by the regional convenor, Mr. Aian Fontanilla, SK President of Bacnotan, La Union.

The gathering was set to organize stakeholders to work collectively to improve the region’s nutrition situation for the realization of the Regional Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023-2028. NNC presented a wider perspective on what are the expected roles as members to engage, inspire and invest in nutrition programs that are in line with Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition, transforming into one of the regional drivers for nutritional change.

Establishing partnerships with the academe, civil service organizations, and other private entities would help promote nutrition programs, inspire, and invest in activities aligning with the University Development Goal 12 (promotion of health and mental wellness of employees and students).

UNP as a member of the SUN-Academe will have the following main roles: capacity building, nutrition promotion, research and development, policy and program formulation, and extension program and public service.

At the end of the activity, Ms. Andreissa Fae G. Sabado, together with the attendees, pledged commitment to be one of the spoons in supporting the various health and nutrition programs being implemented in the region. Likewise, they pledged to initiate programs and projects to address malnutrition and intensify advocacy in promoting good nutrition.

NNC and the SUN Movement Network also expressed keen interest in forging partnership with the University. They offered their full support in technical assistance especially in capacity building, provision of nutrition promotion materials, nutrition program management, and policy formulation.

Article and photo by Andreissa Fae G. Sabado.