Reginaldo T. Guillen, Officer-in-Charge and Nutrition Program Coordinator of the National Nutrition Council (NNC)-10, highlights the vital role of media partners in generating interest and raising awareness about government nutrition programs and policies. This was shared during a meeting with the Media Advocates for Nutrition in Governance in Region 10 (MANGO DIEZ) on March 20. (Photo: GDA/PIA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The National Nutrition Council (NNC) in Northern Mindanao is enhancing its collaboration with media practitioners to boost awareness of government nutrition programs.
In a meeting with the Media Advocates for Nutrition in Governance in Region 10 (MANGO DIEZ) on March 20, Nutrition Program Coordinator Reginaldo T. Guillen underscored the media’s role in amplifying government actions to address the country’s nutrition challenges.
“We (NNC) were wondering, ‘Hindi ba ganu’n ka-[attractive] ang usapin sa nutrisyon?’ Hindi siya masyadong nababalita. That is one of the reasons why we have the MANGO DIEZ, a network of media partners to spread proper, correct, and crucial information on nutrition in the region,” Guillen said.
NNC-10 aims to provide key information on regional nutrition issues, including underweight, stunting, wasting, and overweight. While these issues have declined, Guillen stressed the need for greater public awareness to drive action.
Recognizing the reach of radio programs, Guillen urged MANGO DIEZ to utilize platforms like the Nutriskwela Community Radio networks in Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon for information dissemination.
Merlyn H. Ybañez, MANGO DIEZ chairperson and president of the Regional Association of Government Communicators (RAGCOM), emphasized the effectiveness of social media in reaching wider audiences and encouraged members to share NNC updates on their platforms.
This focus on social media aligns with NNC-10’s engagement of local nutrition offices through the Regional Nutri-Webby Awards, an annual competition that recognizes local government units (LGUs) that effectively use social media and other digital tools to share nutrition-related information and engage their communities in nutrition programs.
NNC-10 also shared during the meeting its plan to involve youth in future initiatives, including a short film contest for National Nutrition Month in July. (GDA/PIA-10)
