BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – As a partner in advocating good nutrition, youth organizations in the Caraga region are now engaging with the National Nutrition Council (NNC) towards the fulfillment of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028.
In the recently held meeting that gathered different youth organizations in the region, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the NNC and the member-youth groups of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Youth Network, which signified their commitment to support, bring about, and participate in efforts to reduce all forms of malnutrition.
Unique, relevant, and interesting programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) were then identified by the youth members, as well as the PPAs that were currently implemented in their respective communities.
Jan Rex Madjos of Tropang Barya, one of the active members, shared how they extended their outreach programs in the barangays. He said they provided psychosocial activities for the children in Siargao Islands.
“Our group has organized Project Atraka and Empowerbites Youth Against Hunger, a combined project that conducts reading sessions and education for children and provides hot meals during the activity,” Madjos said.
Juveriel Tenio of Butuan City 4H Club also shared Project Home Trades, a strategy on food processing that promotes entrepreneurship and livelihood, particularly for women.
Brix Alexis Alabat of Empowering Advocates for Sustainable Environment (EASE) also showcased their policy advocacy that led to the establishment of breastfeeding and lactation rooms in schools.
Hearing all these developments, Dr. Niño Archie Labordo, regional nutrition program coordinator of NNC-Caraga, applauded the different groups for sharing their best practices and implementing nutrition-related projects.
“It is wise for the group to organize PPAs that capture the existing problem, which are based on available data and are aligned to the national and international frameworks,” underscored Labordo.
The participants also shared and identified nutrition-related interventions and strategies under capacity development, policy and governance, service delivery/specific interventions, and nutrition-sensitive activities.
“The unique ideas and enthusiasm of the youth sector will truly help and contribute to the attainment of objectives of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028,” Labordo added.
