The Department of Social Welfare and Development Bicol spearheaded the 43rd Nutrition Month Culminating Activity in partnership with the National Nutrition Council, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and the Local Government Unit of Iriga last July 21-22, 2017 at the Organic Agricultural Learning Farm, San Agustin, Iriga City.

Fifty (50) malnourished children from the Iliyan tribe together with their parents participated in the orientations and team building activities.

According to Ms. Ma. Cristina Florendo, DSWD Bicol Nutritionist Dietitian III, the activity aims to educate & raise awareness especially to the Indigenous People in overcoming malnutrition and the importance of healthy diets.

“Barangay Iliyan posted the highest prevalence of malnutrition that’s why we have identified this area for this activity”, said Rose Jeannie D. Bolivar, Iriga City Nutrition Action Officer (CNAO).
“This will be of great help to these families thus we advised them to apply the learnings they acquired in the two-day activity and share it with other members of the tribe”, she added.

Part of the event highlights was the Orientations on Food Sanitation and Safety, Hand washing Technique, Cooking Demo, Backyard Gardening and the discussion on Children and IP rights.

Nutrition Month is a yearly celebration during the month of July being led by the National Nutrition Council and implementing agencies. This year campaign is on the promotion of healthy diets with the theme “Healthy diet, gawing habit – FOR LIFE!” #nelsonosialjr