LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 1 unveiled the Regional Plan of Action for Nutrition (RPAN) 2023-2028 on March 20 at the Amici Resort Hotel, here.

This was attended by members of local officials led by Senior Board Member Rafael Medina and Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon, as well as nutrition stakeholders in Ilocos region.

The RPAN embodies the key commitments of regional agencies in addressing nutrition-related challenges, specifically alleviating cases of malnutrition namely undernutrition, overnutrition, micronutrient deficiency, inadequate infant and young child feeding practices, and food insecurity.

“Despite the nutritional gains we had in the past, our malnutrition problems in the country and in the region remain high and alarming across all age group and as the RNC’s (Regional Nutrition Committee) proportionate share to the country’s malnutrition burden, the RPAn 2023-2028 have outlined its desired outcomes and the actions to attain such,” said Kendall Pilgrim Gatan, officer-in-charge of NNC-1.

Further, the nutrition plan envisions to reduce all forms of nutrition across all life stages by 2028, wherein Filipinos consume and demand for nutrient-dense food, adopt behavior and practices consistent with good health and nutrition, benefit from well-coordinated quality nutrition and related services, and enjoy their right to adequate food and nutrition because of good governance and enabling policy environment.

DOH-1 Regional Director and RNC Chair Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco urges commitment of regional government agencies in working together to ensure that all have access to nutritious food and healthy environment.

“The RPAN 2023-2028 provides us with a roadmap to improve nutrition outcomes and reduce malnutrition in our region. This plan outlines key strategies and interventions that will help us address the root causes of malnutrition and create a more supportive environment for healthy living,” said Sydiongco.

During the ceremonial unveiling, NNC handed out copies of the RPAN to the RNC members and encouraged their dedication and shared passion in making “nutrition not a privilege but a human right.”

Moreover, regional directors also conveyed through video messages their pledges to support the nutrition plan.

The RPAN 2023-2028 was approved on Feb. 7, following the issuance of RNC Resolution No. 1 series of 2024, “Adopting the Regional Nutrition Plan of Action 2023-2028 if Region 1.” (JCR/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)