TAGUIG CITY — The National Nutrition Council (NNC) commemorates its 50th founding year on 25 June 2024, marking half a century of quality public service in improving the nutritional status of Filipinos. Established under Presidential Decree 491 or the Nutrition Act of the Philippines in 1974, NNC has been a vital force in prioritizing and institutionalizing nutrition programs and services contributing significantly to achieving a progressive and nutritionally secure country.
To celebrate this significant milestone, NNC hosted the “Philippine Partners’ Assembly for Nutrition: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat” on 25 June 2024, bringing together its partners and stakeholders over the years to acknowledge their important contributions to nutrition improvement in the country. This assembly presented an excellent opportunity to commemorate the council’s past achievements, celebrate a milestone, and strengthen its partnership among stakeholders. It also served as an expression of the power of unity and collaboration across different sectors in achieving our shared goal of ensuring adequate nutrition for Filipinos.
A vision for a nutritionally secured future
NNC envisions a future where every Filipino has access to adequate and nutritious food, leading to a more productive nation. To realize this, since 1974, the NNC is at the forefront of advocating for nutrition investments and providing technical assistance at the local level, innovating nutrition interventions and services, capacitating local nutrition workers and stakeholders, and forging partnerships to support the Philippine Nutrition Program. Some of the notable milestones of NNC are as follows:
- Deployment of Barangay Nutrition Scholars through PD 1569
- Formulation and coordination of 11 Philippine Nutrition Plans since 1974 and now called Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition
- Coordination of Accelerated Hunger – Mitigation Program from 2007 – 2010
- Operationalization of the Operation Timbang Plus
- Nutriskwela Community Radio Network Program
- Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation as basis for Nutrition Honor Awardees
- Implementation of Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program for the first 1000 days
- Lalakas ang Katawang Sapat sa Sustansiya (LAKASS) program which addresses the underlying causes of malnutrition through the delivery of direct nutrition services
During the event, the NNC held the soft launch of the Nutrition Month until the unveiling of the theme “Sa PPAN: Sama sama Para sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat!”. The nutrition month in July calls for effective dissemination of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023 – 2028 to generate participation from all sectors, especially at the barangay level. The theme calls for everybody’s commitment to ensuring that every Filipino has access to adequate nutrition.
This commemoration also sets the stage for the future endeavors of NNC as the highest policy-making body on nutrition. This vision is rooted in hope and determination to continue the progress made in the past 50 years. NNC aims to continue its legacy and inspire new and future generations of nutrition advocates who will continue the fight against malnutrition.
Celebrating Five Decades of Commitment to Nutrition
The 50th founding year of the NNC is not just a celebration of past achievements but a call to action for the future. It serves as a reminder of the council’s enduring mission to ensure that nutrition remains a cornerstone of national development. As the NNC looks forward to the next fifty years, it also hopes for a renewed sense of purpose and stronger commitment of the partners to continuously fight malnutrition in the country.
Forging and strengthening existing partnerships
NNC recognizes that its mission of improving the nutrition situation in the country cannot be achieved by relying on a single sector only. As symbolized by the spoons in the NNC logo, various sectors play crucial roles — different government agencies, the private sectors, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, religious organizations, local governments, and the community. In recognition of this, special acknowledgement was given to select individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions and interdisciplinary involvement in the NNC’s mission.
Notable policymakers, such as Senator Risa Hontiveros and Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares, were honored for their advocacy in the Senate, particularly their sponsorship of RA 11148: Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act of 2018. A posthumous award was also presented to Dr. Florentino S. Solon, the first executive director of NNC and the vision behind the council’s first milestones.
Keynote speaker Secretary Attorney Benjamin C. Abalos Jr., who served as city mayor was instrumental in Mandaluyong City’s won as Nutrition Honor Awardee, the highest award in nutrition for LGUs. Furthermore, for agriculture security, Mr. Carlos G. Dominguez III was recognized for his call to action, which led to the full implementation of the flagship program “Lalakas ang Katawang Sapat sa Sustansya (LAKASS) Program.” The 10 Governing Board council members were commended for their invaluable support and leadership in ensuring the efficient delivery of nutrition-related programs within their respective agencies.
Acknowledging all the people that have been part of this milestone, NNC invites everyone to join in celebrating this momentous occasion. Together, we can reflect on the journey, honor the contributions of our partners, and renew our commitment to the mission of ensuring adequate nutrition for all Filipinos. We are all part of this journey — tayo ang NNC!
For more information, please like and follow the NNC Official FB page for updates on NNC’s 50 years. (NNC)
