NURTURING THE FILIPINO

TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION

YEARS
ISBN NO. 978-971-619-037-3

Philippine Copyright 2014 ©

NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL

Published by:

NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL

Nutrition Building, 2332 Chino Roces Avenue Extension
Taguig City, Philippines
June 2014

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any
means – electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or
by any information storage or retrieval system, without the prior written
permission of the publisher and owner of this book.
CONTENTS

MESSAGE of NNC Governing Board Chair 4

MESSAGE of Chair, Civil Service Commission 5
MESSAGE of Executive Director 6
A Brief History of NNC 8
Nutrition’s Biggest Hurdles 14
Breaking Through the Barriers 22
Helping Hands 36
Our Guiding Lights 40
We Look to the Future 46
The White Knights of NNC 48
Acknowledgments 62

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 3

 MESSAGE
My warmest felicitations to the National Nutrition Council as it celebrates 40 years of relevant and
meaningful existence. I congratulate my fellow members of the Governing Board, the inter-agency
Technical Committee, the NNC Secretariat, Local Nutrition Committees chaired by their local chief
executives, Nutrition Action Officers at provincial, city, municipal and barangay level, and Barangay
Nutrition Scholars all of whom comprise the NNC network.

As the highest policy-making and coordinating body on nutrition, the NNC was able to orchestrate
improvements in nutrition in the last four decades. Through the development of national nutrition
policies and plans, stakeholders were guided along actions to address malnutrition through direct
nutrition interventions and actions addressing malnutrition at its root causes. NNC led programs
such as the Lalakas ang Katawang Sapat sa Sustansiya (LAKASS) Program, the Barangay Nutrition
Scholars Program, Philippine Nutrition Surveillance System and the Accelerated Hunger-Mitigation
Program. Cognizant of the need for positive nutrition behaviour through correct nutrition
information, the NNC continues to promote good nutrition among our people, using mass media
creatively to reach families even in remote and hardship areas.

However, challenges remain as the NNC is not only tasked to address undernutrition but is faced with
a growing Filipino population who are suffering from overnutrition and diet-related non-communicable
diseases. The role of nutrition in preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases is also
critical for Filipinos to be able to lead healthy lifestyles. NNC is also faced with the challenge of
ensuring that nutrition in emergency response is institutionalized after I designated it as Chair of the
Nutrition Cluster. And lastly, NNC must be able to make nutrition politically palatable and attractive to
local investments despite the regular change in national and local leadership.

I tip my hat to the women and men of the NNC Secretariat led by Assistant Secretary Bernie Flores
for the hard work, dedication, creativity and persistence you have shown all these years in leading the
nation in nutrition policy and program formulation, advocacy and coordination.

I am privileged to Chair the Governing Board and I assure you of my continuing support and
commitment to champion nutrition.

Mabuhay!
Enrique T. Ona
Secretary of Health
Chair, NNC Governing Board

4 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS

MESSAGE
On behalf of the Civil Service Commission, I congratulate the National Nutrition Council (NNC) for its
40 fruitful years in the service. I believe that in all those years, you have been actively contributing to
nation building, and I am very grateful that I have been part of your organization’s milestones.

From February 2005 to January 2010, we ensured the approval of a number of key nutrition and
related policies like the National Policy on Nutrition Management in Emergencies and Disaster. We
were also designated by the Department of Health (DOH) as the lead organization in the Nutrition
Cluster under the Health Cluster of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

We also led the Anti-Hunger Task Force created under Executive Order 616. This was formulated with
supply and demand components that guided the design and implementation of various strategies to
produce more food, enhance the efficiency of logistics and food delivery, provide employment and
livelihood opportunities, manage population, as well as improve people’s productivity.

As part of promoting good nutrition, we launched the Accelerated Hunger-Mitigation Program

(AHMP) and conducted a series of media fora held in the ten Priority One Provinces (or food-poorest
provinces), including Zamboanga del Norte, Masbate, Maguindanao, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte,
Mountain Province, Lanao del Norte, Camarines Norte, Sarangani, and Zamboanga Sibugay.

These are just some of the many successful projects that brought NNC to where it is now. I encourage
you to continuously prove your zeal for public service in the years to come. The farther you go, the
higher you should soar, with uncompromised quality of service, excellence, and integrity.

May you succeed in all your future endeavors. Mabuhay ang National Nutrition Council!

Francisco T. Duque III, MD, MSc

Chairman, Civil Service Commission
Former Chair, NNC Governing Board, 2005-2009

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 5

 MESSAGE
The National Nutrition Council and I literally grew up together.

I was a fresh graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Community Nutrition from the College of Home
Economics of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, when I joined the National Nutrition Council
in 1975.

The agency was barely a year old, having been just created in June 1974 through Presidential Decree
491 or the Nutrition Act of the Philippines when I started as a casual employee in its Management
Planning Division. While moving up the ranks and given bigger responsibilities in the entire
organization, I participated and witnessed the actualization of the National Nutrition Council’s role
and vision as the country’s highest policy-making and coordinating body on nutrition, recognized both
globally and locally.

From baby steps to giant leaps, the National Nutrition Council gradually shaped the mindset of
policy makers, decision makers, and even the ordinary Filipino to recognize the word “nutrition”,
understand, and appreciate that good nutrition is an important factor in the determination of
development. Schoolchildren learned about GO, GROW and GLOW food groups. Nutrition became a
buzzword, a marketing brand for the ads media and food industry. Mothers learned that having their
children weighed particularly during the annual Operation Timbang will tell them if their child was
malnourished or not. Among local governments, nutrition became an excuse to organize parades,
contests, and related activities to celebrate the month of July as nutrition month as well as recognize
best efforts of communities to produce and prepare food, nurture healthy babies, and adopt healthy
eating habits.

Because of what it has accomplished the past 40 years, the National Nutrition Council has become
the nucleus of a national nutrition service web at the regional, provincial, city, municipal and barangay
levels extending the agency’s reach and assistance to the farthest, poorest segments of the population.

In the coming years, I aspire for the National Nutrition Council, in conjunction with all stakeholders
to further its understanding of nutrition within sectoral perspectives and on national development,
gain a sharper perception of the nutritional needs of individuals within a changing population,
and stimulate ideas for future nutrition program development and more efficient methods of
communicating nutritional benefits to the people.

6 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS

I would also like to see the sectoral departments on health, agriculture and
food security, trade, employment and livelihood, social protection, science and
technology, local governance, and overall economic development; including
those from the private sector and the business community have a change of
heart and mind about nutrition and ensure that nutrition is integrated into
their policies, programs, and budgets. This will ultimately translate to an
improved nutritional status among Filipinos thereby ensuring the universal
right to nutrition.

The National Nutrition Council has nurtured the Filipino people for four
decades and we will continue to do so in the next 40 years and beyond. The
coming years will be more challenging but we do not fear. We are convinced
that we make a difference in the lives of Filipinos. As Confucius said, “It does
not matter how slowly we go, so long as we do not stop”. Sooner, more than
later, we will reach our dreams and aspirations.

On behalf of the entire workforce of the National Nutrition Council, I thank

all the people who compose the nutrition network in government, business
sector, civil society, and the academe, for supporting the government’s
nutrition programs and channelling their resources toward contributing to the
attainment of nutritional adequacy for all.

Mabuhay ang NNC!

Maria-Bernardita T. Flores, CESO II

Assistant Secretary of Health
Executive Director IV, NNC

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 7

 A Brief History of NNC

“I hereby declare that nutrition is now a priority concern of the government...”

President Ferdinand E. Marcos

8 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS

Nutrition History in the Making government and the private sector more effectively. But without a legal
mandate, the loosely organized NCCFN carried out nutrition programs
Rising from the ashes after World War II, the Philippines was a picture of only in a number of key cities, provinces, and districts hoping to address
great despair. Cities and towns burned down, farms and factories laid to malnutrition of infants, young children, and pregnant and nursing mothers.
waste, roads and bridges destroyed, and thousands of lives lost. Those
who survived the war were forced to put up with hunger and severe The 1970s brought the country on the brink of economic and political
malnutrition as food was devastatingly scarce. turmoil. The need for functional coordination of efforts to address
nutrition issues was realized and this was accomplished by virtue of
In March 1947, under the Manuel Roxas regime, the Philippine Institute of Executive Order No. 285, issued in 1971. The National Food and
Nutrition (PIN) was created in a first attempt to institutionalize a national Agriculture Council (NFAC), which had the responsibility for integrating
nutrition program. This marked the country’s first step at organized nutrition into food programs, was created. NFAC took the place of NCCFN
efforts for nutrition. However, coordination proved to be rather limited and in the formulation, coordination and implementation of the first 4-year
rudimentary, and the implementation of nutrition programs was sporadic Philippine Food and Nutrition Program of 1971-1974. NFAC took on a
at best. Approaches to problems related to nutrition were short-lived and more interdisciplinary approach to deliver nutrition services to targeted
more curative rather than preventive. families through committees and barrio teams.

PIN was later reorganized under the Carlos P. Garcia administration into Global Nutrition Crisis
the Food and Nutrition Research Center (FNRC) in 1958. Nutrition
research and education-related activities conducted by the FNRC were Hunger and malnutrition soon became devastatingly threatening not only
done under the National Science and Development Board (NSDB). With in the country but around the world. In an article on Worldhunger.org,
the aid of innovations in research and technology, nutrition problems in Eric Holt-Gimènez cited that there were 500 million hungry people in the
the country were better understood with a more technically-sound and developing world in 1974. International organizations such as the World Food
evidence-based assessment. Programme (WFP), the World Trade Organization (WTO), The Alliance for a
Green Revolution in Africa (TAGRA), UN Food and Agriculture Organization
In 1960, the National Coordinating Council on Food and Nutrition (UN FAO), and the United States Agency for International Development
(NCCFN) was organized by the FNRC now called the Food and Nutrition (USAID) convinced national leaders to take decisive action.
Research Institute (FNRI) in an attempt to coordinate nutrition work of

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 9

 In response to this, President Ferdinand E. Marcos issued Presidential then constituted the Philippine Nutrition Program (PNP), the umbrella
Decree 491 or the Nutrition Act of the Philippines on 25 June 1974 program that saw through the efficient delivery of nutrition interventions.
declaring nutrition as a national priority. This decree created the The PNP approach pooled multi-agency resources to more effectively
National Nutrition Council (NNC), making it the highest policy-making reach those most vulnerable to malnutrition in the country.
and coordinating body on nutrition. This decree likewise created the NNC
Governing Board, which was then composed of the following: The First Decade

The Secretary, Department of Education and Culture In order to maximize the involvement of the private sector as well as
The Chairman-Coordinator, National Food and Agriculture Council empower the government further in tapping into the different resources
The Secretary, Department of Health available in the country, then First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos
The Chairman, National Science Development Board founded the Nutrition Center of the Philippines (NCP) on 02 July 1974.
The Secretary, Department of Social Welfare A non-stock, non-profit foundation, the NCP’s mission was to be at the
The Secretary, Department of Local Government and Community forefront of mobilizing resources from the private sector in support of
Development national nutrition efforts. To unify this inter-sectoral approach to arresting
The Chairman of the Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines nutrition problems in the country, the first Executive Director of NNC,
President, Philippine Medical Association Dr. Florentino S. Solon, was appointed as head of the NCP as well.
One other representative of the private sector to be appointed by
the President of the Philippines. Former Agriculture Secretary Arturo R. Tanco, Jr. joined Dr. Solon at
the helm and drove the agency towards implementing a Nutrition-Oriented
NNC relieved NFAC of its task in of coordinating nutrition activities from Development Plan (NORD). NNC engaged the productive (agriculture)
government and private sectors across the country. All nutrition work and supportive (e.g., social welfare, education, local government, among

10 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS

 Nutrition Revolution

The Marcos regime ended with the 1986 People Power Revolution, and
Senator Ninoy Aquino’s housewife took office as the first female Head of
State not only in the Philippines but also in Asia. President Maria Corazon
“Cory” Cojuangco-Aquino, viewed as the “Icon of Philippine Democracy,”
others) sectors in providing direct nutrition interventions as well as restored democracy to the country after nearly 21 years of authoritarian
development measures that were intended to deal with the root causes of rule. Soon after ascending to power, the Cory administration paid
malnutrition. close attention to civil liberties and human rights. As part of her goals
for political reform, Executive Order No. 234 or the Reorganization
In July 1976, President Marcos signed a Letter of Instruction which placed Act of NNC was promulgated on 22 July 1987 to reaffirm the need for
DSWD as principal agency in charge of the nationwide food assistance interagency cooperation in nutrition policy-making and coordination.
program to reach malnourished children who were identified through This expanded the NNC membership to include the National Economic
Operation Timbang. The DA, through the NFAC and Bureau of Agricultural and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Budget and
Extension, was given a directive to mount a production program for Management (DBM), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the
legumes, beans, vegetables, fruits, livestock, poultry and fishery products, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). EO 234 defined that
and to provide extension services for the nutrition education of farm NNC consists of the 10-member Cabinet-level policy-making Governing
housewives all over the country. The Department of Education and Board and the 132-member Secretariat tasked to execute the decisions
Culture was directed to include subjects on basic nutrition and techniques of the Governing Board. DSWD was declared Chair of the NNC Governing
in nutrition education while the DOH was directed to be the principal Board. It was also this time that the government considered to take
agency in the treatment and rehabilitation of severely malnourished the economic aspect of nutrition more seriously. Armed with a fresher
children. Lastly, the Department of Local Governments and Community perspective on the role of nutrition in national development, former
Development was instructed to establish functioning local nutrition NNC Executive Director Dr. Dulce Laurel-Bocobo and former DSWD
committees in every region, province, city, municipality and barangays to Secretary Mita Pardo de Tavera as NNC Chair were the prime movers for
implement a national nutrition plan. this event and they sought to ensure that the country’s efforts were made
in the right direction.

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 11

 NNC Organization Structure fruits, livestock, poultry and fishery products), through Letter of Instruction
441 issued by President Marcos in 1976, the DA also delivered nutrition
education and programmed funding for its Home Management Technicians
whose activities were coordinated by the NNC.

Former DA Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez, Chair of the NNC Governing

Board from 1988-1989, ensured that funds were provided for NNC’s Lalakas
ang Katawang Sapat sa Sustansiya (LAKASS) Program to provide cash
assistance to the most nutritionally depressed municipalities in the country.
Other related nutrition initiatives likewise received funding support from
the DA. Former DA Secretary Roberto S. Sebastian, Chair of the NNC
Governing Board from 1992-1996, coined the acronym NUTRITION –
Nationwide salt iodization
Unified Actions for micronutrient supplementation and food fortification
Targeted assistance to ensure household food and nutrition security
Reinforced capacities for policy and plan formulation, advocacy,
surveillance, research and its utilization
Integration of nutrition considerations in development policies,
programs and projects
Tri-media approach for effective nutrtion information and education
campaign
Intensified alliance among stakeholders toward increased investments
in nutrition
Organization and management of local nutrition programs in poorest
A year later, the NNC Governing Board chairmanship was transferred back
areas, and
to the Department of Agriculture through Administrative Order No. 88.
Non-wage benefits packages in labor and industry
Over the years that the agency remained under the stewardship of the
DA, the NNC became a staunch figure in nutrition education not only in – an acronym to encourage more support for the crucial nutrition
the country but in various other countries around the globe. Apart from initiatives. Around this period, RA 7884 or the National Dairy
increasing the production of different food products (legumes, vegetables, Development Act of 1995 was passed with its twin objectives of developing

12 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS

the local dairy industry and improving the nutritional status of Filipinos. In addition to its nutrition policy formulation and coordinating functions,
As a result, partnership was forged between NNC and the National Dairy NNC was designated as oversight of the Accelerated Hunger-Mitigation
Authority to design a national dairy development program with nutrition Program (AHMP), ensuring that hunger mitigation measures were in place.
considerations. Technical and financial assistance was provided to local Expanding NNC’s role in hunger-mitigation, President Arroyo issued
dairy cooperatives to boost local milk production which would be used in Executive Order No. 616 on 03 April 2007, creating the Anti-Hunger
supplementary milk feeding programs in schools and communities. This Task Force composed of 29 national government agencies implementing
program would also help boost incomes of local dairy farmers. component programs of the AHMP.

During the stint of DA Secretary Edgardo J. Angara as Chair of the Hallmark of Philippine Nutrition
Governing Board from 1999-2001, he sought to strengthen the scientific
underpinnings of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition, 1999-2004. In fulfilling its mission of improving the nutrition situation in the country,
The review of the PPAN was commissioned to Dr. Cecilia A. Florencio, a the NNC recognizes that this cannot be achieved by merely spoon-
recognized nutrition expert here in the country and abroad. Secretary feeding the hungry and malnourished. Nor can this be achieved by solely
Angara wanted the NNC to also strengthen its efforts along nutrition depending on the generosity of any single sector. The logo of NNC is
information and education. composed of spoons that represent the different sectors – the different
government agencies, the private sector, non-government organizations,
Meanwhile, Former DA Secretary Arthur C. Yap, Chair of the NNC people’s organizations, religious organizations, local governments, and the
Governing Board from 2004-2005, was heavily engaged in the Accelerated community as a whole. This epitomizes the collaborative efforts of these
Hunger-Mitigation Program under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s sectors in seeking a unified and all-inclusive approach to nutritional well-
administration. The nutrition revolution strived throughout the years with being of Filipinos. Truly a hallmark in Philippine nutrition, the NNC logo
the invaluable support of the NNC’s champions, and the DA has proven to models the interdisciplinary involvement in expediting implementation and
be on top of the long list of significant partners. coordination of nutrition services in the country.

Hunger Mitigation As early as 1975, a memorandum of agreement between NNC and twenty-
five (25) cooperating agencies was signed. To date, this multisectoral
On 30 November 2005, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued cooperation continues with as much dedication to ensuring that families
Executive Order No. 472 which transferred the NNC as an attached are provided with the capability to reduce and, more importantly, prevent
agency of the Department of Health (DOH). EO 472 designated DOH as malnutrition. Local nutrition committees chaired by local chief executives
chair of its Governing Board with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and and assisted by nutrition action officers carry out the role of NNC at the
the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as vice chairs. local level.

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 13

Nutrition’s Biggest Hurdles

“Nutrition is not only a science… it is

governance, it is politics. It is finance,
it is labor and employment. It has
many facets and all these facets are
equally important.”
Maria-Bernardita T. Flores, CESO II
Assistant Secretary of Health
Executive Director IV, NNC
In Stride with the Presidents the National Milk Code or E.O. 51 was passed, ensuring safe and adequate
nutrition for infants through the “promotion of breastfeeding and the
Political change is something that NNC has weathered through the years. regulation of promotion, distribution, selling, advertising, product public
The ever changing political climate in the Philippines has dictated not relations, and information services of artificial milk formulas and other
only the direction of nutrition plans of action in the country but also the covered products.”
amount of support the agency receives. This has consequently led to the
continuing evolution of the agency, keeping in stride with whoever sits President Fidel V. Ramos (30 June 1992 – 30 June 1998) pushed with
as president to ensure that the country’s nutritional well-being remains a the nutrition agenda further during his term, where the battle cry was
priority in national and local development. for NIC-hood or Nutritionally Improved Country. He likewise issued
Presidential Proclamation 311 on the adoption of the first Philippine Plan
Through the years, the presidents have paved the way for the NNC’s of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) following the 1992 International Conference
nutrition efforts to reach those most vulnerable to hunger and malnutrition on Nutrition. President Ramos also signed the ASIN Law (Republic Act
in the country. President Ferdinand E. Marcos (30 December 1965 – 8172), creating the Salt Iodization Advisory Board (SIAB) of the NNC to
25 February 1986) had effectively put nutrition in the national development coordinate the nationwide salt iodization program. Meanwhile, President
agenda, creating the Council, instituting the Barangay Nutrition Scholars Joseph E. Estrada (30 June 1998 – 20 January 2001) signed the Food
Program, and making local chief executives responsible for driving nutrition Fortification Law (Republic Act 8976) that provided the NNC with the
programs at the grassroots level. President Cory C. Aquino (25 February mandate to review the scope of food fortification. It was also during
1986 – 30 June 1992), on the other hand, drove the inclusion of nutrition this administration that the Early Childhood Care and Development Act
as one of the rights of children that the State must defend under the (Republic Act 8980) institutionalized an “integrated and comprehensive
1987 Philippine Constitution. She also allowed for the reorganization of service delivery system for the health, nutrition, education and
the Council through E.O. 234. It was also during her administration that psychosocial needs of 0-6 year old children.”

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 15

 Grappling with political leadership issues, NNC has learned to roll with the or Republic Act No. 10354 was signed by President Aquino, providing for a
punches that go with the transition between presidents. Strategies and national policy on responsible parenthood and reproductive health.
plans for nutrition action are carefully studied, refined and defended to
make certain they fit into each president’s national development agenda. Shifting Gears
This has proven most effective during the President Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo administration (20 January 2001 – 30 June 2010) during which Coming a long way from viewing nutrition as a mere by-product of national
NNC’s annual budget was given a significant increase – from PhP48.047 development, NNC has made a number of paradigm shifts to ensure that
Million in 2006 to PhP202.400 Million in 2007 and then PhP420.973 nutrition efforts are headed in the right direction. Shifting gears has
Million in 2008. The intensified annual budget of NNC, coupled with also paved the way for the agency to refine strategies and plans, making
stronger ties with local and international partners, paved the way to certain that efforts achieve optimum efficacy. For instance, the removal
the success of key nutrition programs under the Accelerated Hunger- in 1984 of the Philippines from the bracket of recipient countries of the
Mitigation Program (AHMP). On top of this, President Arroyo expanded US Food for Peace Program (Public Law 480 Title II) implemented by the
the promotion of breastfeeding through Republic Act 10028, mandating Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Cooperative for American Relief
establishment of breastfeeding areas in workplaces. Everywhere (CARE) under the US Agency for International Development
(USAID) resulted in significant program shifts for nationwide nutrition
Incumbent President Benigno Aquino III (30 June 2010 up to present) has action.
enacted several health-related laws that positively impact the nutritional
well-being of Filipinos. He signed into law Republic Act No. 10351, or the In 1988, the NNC also adopted the Nutrition Policy Statement which
Sin Tax Law, which restructured the existing taxes imposed on alcohol and took on a two-pronged approach to addressing malnutrition. The
tobacco goods. Proceeds from taxes collected went to the promotion of approach requires direct interventions to alleviate the conditions of
healthy lifestyle among Filipinos. In addition, the Reproductive Health Law the malnourished and long-term developmental strategies to solve the
problem at its roots. The new paradigm in nutrition policy and action

16 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS

came with the realization that any decisive response to malnutrition On 26 September 2009, Typhoon Ondoy (international name: Ketsana)
does not solely rely on food. Although food production and agricultural devastated Metro Manila and several provinces in Luzon, washing away
development are seen as fundamental links to nutrition, the Nutrition in homes, offices and various other infrastructures. The NNC headquarters
Development (NID) approach saw a definite need for more sustainable was not at all spared. The first floor of the Nutrition Building was heavily
preventive measures in addressing the country’s nutrition issues. Now flooded. Documents, reports, equipment and other valuable materials
seeing nutrition in a more dynamic role in national development, were destroyed or heavily damaged. Parked vehicles floated away after
endeavours to address nutritional problems in the country are now floodwaters from the creek behind the building overflowed into the
done parallel to efforts in addressing poverty, reducing morbidities and compound. A portion of the roof was blown away and water seeped into
mortalities, particularly maternal and child mortality, achieving national the walls of the building, damaging office interiors, furniture and fixtures.
economic growth and inclusive development.
NNC showed exactly how this destructive typhoon brought out the best
Weathering the Storm in Filipinos. NNC staff led by its executive director went to the office the
following day, despite it being a Sunday, to determine how much had been
Designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro V. Locsin in the damaged and to clean up the mess left by the storm. Rather than feel
early ‘70s, the Nutrition Building was part of the complex of social welfare depressed or let down, employees took turns cleaning out offices at the
agencies along with the Population and Development Center and the Social first floor, removing carpets and hauling boxes out of the building. The
Welfare and Development Center for Asia and the Pacific. Locsin was NNC Secretariat transferred and rented an office on the second floor of
widely known for his use of concrete, floating volume and simplistic design, the Administration Building of the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) in Taguig City
and his design of the Nutrition building was comparable in elegance and so that they could continue their operations with minimal disruption. The
beauty to his other works – the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), DOH provided funds in the amount of PhP22 Million in 2010 and PhP10
Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), National Arts Center, to Million in 2012 to enable the NNC Secretariat to rehabilitate the damaged
name a few. office.

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 17

 Evolution of Technology and Equipment Working with Limited Resources

As with any other government agency, NNC started operations with the One of the common organizational challenges particularly in a public
most basic of equipment and machinery available. Owing to several bureaucracy is working with limited resources. The implementation
partner organizations here and abroad, NNC acquired buses and vans, of nutrition programs in the beginning as well as reaching those most
which were used to deliver nutrition service packages across the country. vulnerable to nutrition problems proved most difficult. Armed with
UNICEF-donated Sakbayan (sasakyang katutubong bayan), also known as a “dream” and relentless commitment, NNC prevailed amidst these
the first Filipino car, was also widely used in NNC’s regional operations. challenges over the years. The NNC dreams were enhanced along the way,
Typewriters and glass maps were used for the manual production of coupled with shared experiences and expertise from partners here and
reports and mapping of nutrition efforts around the country. Telegraphs abroad, creating nutrition plans of action more realistic and achievable.
were also widely used as a means of communication before these were Successes in policy formulation and program implementation are a
replaced with telephones, fax machines and the Internet. testament to the agency’s resilience despite having to operate with limited
resources. Recent years have afforded the agency with more access to the
By 1987, NNC purchased its own vehicle and began investing on more high- vulnerable population, with an increased operating budget and stronger
end equipment for nutrition surveillance and monitoring. As the years interagency cooperation.
passed, the agency was able to procure computers and equipment that
improved the delivery of information and education campaign materials, In the years that the agency operated with very limited resources, the NNC
among others. The agency has established 25 Nutriskwela Community partnered with other agencies such as the DA for its nutrition campaigns,
Radio Stations in 15 regions of the country, reaching more people in the most successful of which was the Malnutrition Prevention Program
remote communities that are not reached by commercial radio with their in cooperation with the Bureau of Agricultural Extension (BAEx) and
nutrition campaigns. Technological advancements in nutrition education, implemented by the Bureau’s home management technicians. The BAEx
coordination, and surveillance have made it possible for NNC to disseminate partnered with the Rural Improvement Clubs of the Philippines (RIC), a
significant data to implementers of nutrition action here and abroad.

18 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS

non-government organization composed of 6 million strong rural women invested on the setting up of malwards, nutrihuts, nutri-villages to provide
who were able to closely monitor the nutritional status of children in nutritional and medical interventions to malnourished children and their
communities. (The RIC also later became a member of the Governing families in the case of the nutri-hut and the nutri-village; and the training
Board represented by its President Ms. Susan Pagdanganan.) UNICEF also and deployment of Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) with USAID funding
became NNC’s partner for the implementation of the nutrition component assistance.
of several cycles of the various Country Programme for Children (CPC), the
programme of cooperation between UNICEF and the Government of the In order to address inadequate resources to fully support local initiatives,
Philippines. international and private partners were introduced into the mix. The
UNICEF Country Programme for Children had been instrumental in funding
The agency conducted trainings on nutrition program management for several nutrition programs in the country. Partnerships with the private
local government functionaries with the funds coming from the fees paid sector allowed Nutrition Month celebrations more promotional avenues.
by the participants themselves. Initially targeting only 3 batches, the NNC
completed 13 batches because of the demand from local government units Instigating Behavioral Change for Nutrition
for capacity-building.
Preventing malnutrition relies heavily on influencing the behavior of those
More investments were made over the years in aid of the country’s efforts affected or vulnerable to it. Influencing people to make proper nutrition
to improve the Filipinos’ nutritional well-being. Since the time of the choices is by far the most challenging for any agency. NNC is a forerunner
Marcoses, weighing scales were provided to the LGUs to ensure that local in encouraging behavioral change, influencing the general population to
monitoring via the OPT program is carried out. Handgrinders were likewise make desirable nutrition and health practices by affording them access to
distributed for use in the Malnutrition Prevention Program, particularly nutrition information and education. NNC took this a step further through
in grinding rice, legumes, and dried fish and other commodities for the the annual National Nutrition Month celebration, which has become the
production of complementary foods. The Marcos administration likewise agency’s platform for key specific nutrition messages.

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 19

 Nutrition Month Themes through the Years
YEAR NUTRITION MONTH THEME YEAR NUTRITION MONTH THEME
1976 Maximum utilization of local resources 1996 Kapag kumain nang sapat, wastong timbang ang katapat
1977 Strengthening the nutrition program at the barangay level 1997 Kalusugan tiyakin sa masustansiya at ligtas na pagkain
1978 Ugnayan ng kabataan sa nutrisyon Fortified foods kainin, dadgag sustansiya’y kamtin – selyong
1998
Sangkap Pinoy hanapin
1979 Malusog na bata, malusog na bansa 1999 Pagkaing sapat siguruhin, wastong nutrisyon ating kamtin
1980 Wastong nutrisyon, landas tungo sa magandang kinabukasan 2000 Wastong nutrisyon: alamin at gawin
1981 Nutrisyon at kaunlaran 2001 Kalusugan Pagyamanin, Fortified Foods Kainin
1982 Nutrisyon at kabuhayan sa kaunlaran Pagkain at paglaki ay bantayan, upang ang wastong
2002
1983 Tiyakin ang kinabukasan, wastong pagkain ay kaugalian nutrisyon ay kamtan
2003 Kabataan palusugin, isulong ang breastfeeding
1984 Wastong nutrisyon sa sariling pagsisikap
2004 Breastfeeding panatilihin, dagdagan ng wastong pagkain
1985 Increased family productivity for economic recovery
2005 Batang may kinabukasan, sa wastong nutrisyon simulan
1986 Sa lakas ng sambayanan, wastong nutrisyon ang kailangan
2006 Kumain nang RIGHT, para maging batang BRIGHT
1987 Sa pagbubuklod ng diwa at bisig, wastong nutrisyon makakamit
2007 Healthy lifestyle ng kabataan, landas sa kinabukasan
1988 Nutrition in development
2008 Sa wastong nutrisyon ni mommy, siguradong healthy si baby
1989 Sapat sa sustansiya, lakas ng pamilya
2009 Wastong nutrisyon kailangan, lifestyle diseases iwasan
1990 Malnutrisyon: tuklasin at puksain
2010 Sa pagkaing tama at sapat, wastong timbang ni baby ang katapat
1991 Sa sama-samang pagkilos, malnutrisyo’y malulutas
2011 Isulong ang BREASTFEEDING – Tama, Sapat at EKsklusibo!
1992 Karapatan ng bawa’t Pilipino, wastong nutrisyon ay matamo
2012 Pagkain ng gulay ugaliin, araw-araw itong ihain
1993 Higit sa lahat, pagkaing sapat – para sa lahat
2013 Gutom at malnutrisyon, sama-sama nating wakasan
1994 Prutas at gulay ng bayan, taglay ay lakas at yaman
2014 Kalamidad paghandaan: Gutom at malnutrisyon agapan!
1995 Buto at ngipin patibayin, gatas ating inumin

20 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS

The agency stops at nothing to make sure that Filipinos are armed with appointed as member of the NNC Governing Board for 2007-2010. GMA
relevant and up-to-date information on how to prevent hunger and Kapuso Foundation, another media partner, was also a member of the
malnutrition right from their own homes. NNC embarked on a multi- Governing Board.
media campaign to promote good nutrition harnessing the available media
channels including television, radio, print, electronic billboards, mega NNC also utilized mobile electronic buses and bus wraps. Billboards on
billboards and the Internet. the nutritional guidelines could be seen in major thoroughfares in Metro
Manila, in LRT stations and the north and south Luzon expressways.
Nutrition programs have been airing in radios over the years. “Radyo Interpersonal communication was also used through the nationwide
Mo sa Nutrisyon” on DZXL 558 kHz and “Katumbas ay Biyaya” on DZRH implementation of the “Pabasa sa Nutrisyon” nutrition education strategy.
666 kHz, both aired every Saturday, advocate positive nutrition behaviors Regional offices had their own share of promoting nutrition through their
and better understanding of nutrition and health concerns through local media campaigns.
dramatization and discussion with the experts. Presence in television
likewise generated much appreciation for NNC’s campaigns. For the
first time, the NNC produced its first TV program, the 20-minute “Busog
Lusog,” which aired over ABS-CBN Channel 2 for two seasons with 13
episodes per season, featuring topics that covered eating a variety of
foods daily, benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding,
nutrition for teenagers, nutrition for pregnant and nursing women, and
various others. This was then followed by two seasons of “Why Not?”
which featured the production, preparation, and nutritional values of
various food commodities through an edu-infotainment format. The TV
programs were made possible because of the partnership of NNC with
ABS-CBN Foundation which was headed by Ms. Regina Lopez who was then

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 21

Breaking Through the Barriers

“I think the main accomplishment that

we’ve done is to keep the light burning
for nutrition…”
Maria Lourdes “Didi” A. Vega
Chief, Nutrition Policy and Planning Division, NNC
A Worldwide First Prevalence of underweight among children below 5 years, 1975-2011

SURVEY YEAR PREVALENCE (%)

NNC is the first in the world to be created with a mandate as the highest 1975 45.5
policy-making and coordinating body on nutrition. The country has 1982 29.6
been looked up to by developing nations globally, emulating its methods
1987 29.3
and strategies in delivering nutrition programs and projects nationwide.
1990 29.9
The multi-agency composition of its Governing Board ensures that all
1992 29.8
aspects of nutrition – health, agriculture, economic development, labor
1993 26.3
and employment, education, social welfare, local governance, science
1998 28.3
and technology, trade and industry, budget management – are utilized to
2003 20.7
provide optimum nutritional advantage to communities across the nation.
2008 20.7
Moreover, the presence of the NNC Secretariat, with its own physical office,
2011 20.2
staff complement and regular budget is the envy of many countries that
have attempted to organize similar structures for nutrition policy and As seen from the above data, malnutrition prevalence in Filipino children
coordination. under 5 years of age was found to be at 45.5% in 1975. This saw
significant improvement during the NNC’s first decade as malnutrition
The Statistics and The Plans prevalence declined to 29.6% by 1982. In the succeeding years, however,
the decline in number of Filipino children found to be malnourished slowed
The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Database on Child Growth down, although it picked up its pace in 1993 with 26.3% from the previous
and Malnutrition (2013) recorded the malnutrition prevalence in Filipino year’s 29.8%. The next huge decline was seen in 2003 with 20.7% which
children under the age of 5 as follows: further lowered to 20.2% by 2011.

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 23

 Meanwhile, malnutrition among children using height-for-age indicator FNRI has likewise provided noteworthy information on the iodine and
showed a similar decline over the years. vitamin A deficiencies in different age/physiologic groups. The prevalence
of iron deficiency anemia in infants, for example, significantly improved
Prevalence of stunting among children below 5 years, 1975-2011 – from 66.7% in 2003 to 57.0% in 2008. In addition, the country
experienced success in reducing Vitamin A deficiency from a level of public
SURVEY YEAR PREVALENCE (%)
health concern to only 15.2% among children 6 months to 5 years olds in
1975 60.2
2008 from 40.0% in 2003.
1982 48.7
1987 44.7
These statistics provide the scientific underpinnings of the various
1990 43.3
national nutrition plans and component programs. The Plan presents
1992 40.9
the regional dimensions of the statistics provided, giving way to NNC
1993 38.9
and its partner agencies to strategize more effectively and efficiently.
1998 38.3
Strategies and priority plans for action have been identified with which
2003 33.8
to provide substantial guidance and support to the nutrition programs of
2008 32.3
implementing agencies.
2011 33.6

The above table shows data on stunting in children in the last four decades. The Philippine Plan of Action (PPAN) underwent several enhancements
Based on these data, stunting was recorded at 60.2% in 1975. This was over the years (1978-1982, 1983-87, 1988-92, 1993-98, 1999-2004, 2005-
significantly reduced to 48.7% in 1982, and saw continuing improvement 2009/2010), building up on previous strategies that were seen with varying
over the years – 44.7% in 1987, 43.3% in 1990, 40.9% in 1992, and 38.9% degrees of success. LGUs and national government agencies continue to
in 1993. By 2011, data on stunting was recorded at 33.6%. prepare annual operational plans for funding through national and local
appropriations, complementing official development assistance as well

24 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS

as initiatives of non-government organizations (NGOs). The Philippine presentation capabilities. In addition, Nutristores were opened in far-flung
Plan of Action for Nutrition 2011-2016 was built on past and present barangays to make rice, cooking oil and other food products available to
experiences to ensure that the right mix of strategies and interventions the community at reduced prices.
are determined and acted upon.
Local nutrition committees also made wide use of the nutri-campaigns
The Nutri-Campaigns in their efforts at the community-level. Nutripaks (food supplements),
nutri-gro (fortified biscuits), and nutri-pan (fortified bread) were supplied
Driven by the need to provide immediate aid to those most vulnerable to to barangays and schools. Activities such as nutri-contests, nutri-recipe
hunger and nutrition problems, NNC dispensed food assistance programs development, nutri-quiz, nutri-walk, nutri-run and various other campaigns
for severely malnourished children to prevent death and help improve were staged in communities to encourage participation and awareness
their nutritional status. Furthering this food aid campaign, all nutrition from families. Ad campaigns like “Ang Malunggay, Bow!” became widely
services were packaged with the prefix “nutri” to allow the public easier disseminated, educating citizens on the benefits of different types of
recognition and retention of the campaigns promoted by NNC and its locally available and nutritious food commodities.
partner organizations.
A Learning Arena for Nutrition
Introduced to the Philippines through PL480 Title II under USAID in
the 1970s, Nutribuns were distributed to schools and feeding centers Cognizant of the significance of information and education to the
in identified areas where malnutrition manifested. One hundred and Philippine Nutrition Program (PNP), the Information Education and
four (104) Nutrihuts, rural versions of a hospital malward (malnourished Communications (IEC) Technical Working Group of NNC formulated
ward) were set up in remote barangays by the end of 1977 with financial guidelines for the Applied Nutrition Program which also serves as a vehicle
assistance from NNC. Meanwhile, Nutribuses were deployed to remote for the implementation of nutrition programs in schools. In its first decade
areas for information dissemination with the use of its audio-visual alone, NNC has become a trademark of success in its undertakings in

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 25

 the field. Widely recognized for its initiatives, NNC was chosen by the and district/city program coordinators on nutrition program management.
Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to host a workshop on Particular focus was given to nutrition assessment and surveillance, policy
Strategy for Nutritional Surveillance on 28-30 July 1976. NNC also hosted formulation, development-oriented nutrition planning, program monitoring
an International Conference on Nutrition Education in 1977, followed and evaluation, project design, advocacy, and nutrition education in formal
by a national conference on “The Use of Radio in the Dissemination of and informal setting using tri-media and interpersonal communication.
Nutrition Messages” held in Iloilo City that same year. Collaboration with
international agencies such as the FAO, USAID, UNICEF, WHO and the World NNC was also instrumental in the development and selection of the
Bank expanded technical assistance to nutrition activities nationwide. country as the institutional home of a multi-disciplinary advanced training
program on food and nutrition planning for Asia and the Pacific. The
In 1978, NNC established an International Nutrition Program (INP) Unit to program aimed to provide countries in the region with a cadre of personnel
provide a mechanism for international exchange of nutrition expertise, trained in a broader approach to nutritional improvement-one which
knowledge and experiences on nutrition planning, management as well recognizes the relationships between nutrition and the larger processes
as nutrition surveillance. Through the INP, implementers of the PNP of economic growth and in which strategies for agricultural development,
including NNC staff played an active role in accommodating United Nations price policies of food commodities, and concepts of community
University – Nutrition Center of the Philippines (UNU-NCP) fellows from development are as important components of a food and nutrition policy
different countries in completing advanced training and practicum. as are food supplementation schemes and nutrition education campaigns.
The training course was conducted in the University of the Philippines Los
Furthermore, NNC provided a venue for the third International Workshop Baños and funded initially by the Netherlands Universities Foundation
on Multisectoral Rural Development Planning and Implementation on for International Cooperation-International Course in Food Science and
25 February to 01 March 1980, and the International Workshop on Field Nutrition (NUFFIC/ICFSN) through the Food and Agriculture Organization
Program Management (FPM) Training in December that same year. In of the United Nations. By the end of 2004, the course had built a cadre
1982, NNC co-hosted an international conference on “actions needed to of almost 500 middle- to top-level officials from agriculture, health,
improve maternal and infant nutrition in developing countries” with the education, national development planning and other sectoral departments
International Nutrition Planners’ Forum. in the Asia and Pacific Region.

During the early building up period, NNC was heavily engaged in the design Barangay Nutrition Scholars
and organization of capacity-building programs to prepare the staff of
the NNC Secretariat, members of the various technical working groups, Tapping into one of the most potent resources available in combating
committees, and field implementers particularly nutrition action officers malnutrition across the country, the government initiated the Barangay

26 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS

Nutrition Scholars (BNS) Program as a human resource strategy to
strengthen the barangay nutrition program. Through the promulgation
of Presidential Decree No. 1569 on 11 July 1978, every barangay across
the country is required to deploy one barangay nutrition scholar (BNS).
NNC administers the program, provides training, travelling allowance and
BNS kit while local government units recruit, train, deploy and provide
counterpart for the honorarium or allowance of these BNS. District/City Angelito A. Conde
Nutrition Program Coordinators were hired, and in cases, designated by … a True Barangay Nutrition Scholar
the local chief executives to supervise the BNSs.
Considered a pillar for good nutrition in Barangay Busaon, Tagum City,
Angelito “Nonoy” A. Conde has been a barangay nutrition scholar since
Now numbering more than 38,000, the BNS takes nutrition action down 1998. He has “walked the talk” as a humble volunteer nutrition worker,
to the grassroots level, identifying and caring for those most vulnerable to crediting the success of the barangay nutrition program to the unwavering
support of the Barangay Nutrition Committee (BNC) and other members
malnutrition and its causes. The BNS are community nutrition volunteers of his community. His steadfast devotion and unfaltering ardor has been
responsible for identifying malnourished children through the annual widely recognized and he was awarded Outstanding Barangay Nutrition
Operation Timbang, generating family profiles through community surveys, Scholar (OBNS) for more than five times. He was Regional Outstanding
Barangay Nutrition Scholar for Davao Region in 2008 and recognized as
mobilizing the community to take action on the improvement of the local
the National Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar for 2009 during the
nutrition situation, serving as a linkage-builder to ensure that members National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony held on 04 November 2010.
of the community in need of nutrition services are connected to the
appropriate nutrition service provider, formulating a BNS Action Plan and Nonoy was the first male BNS to win the national outstanding BNS award
and he showed that men can also do volunteer work for nutrition. He is
recording nutrition and health profiles of the families, and assisting in the
a staunch advocate for breastfeeding and has developed a syllabus for a
delivery of nutrition services in their communities. whole-day session on health and nutrition with the rural health midwife.
Through his efforts, members of the community continuously learn
about the causes of malnutrition in the barangay and how these could be
In December 2010, the NNC helped organize the BNSs into a national
minimized through various interventions like immunization, care of the
federation now called the National BNS Federation or NaBNSFed Inc. The pregnant and lactating women, personal hygiene and sanitation, solid waste
federation provides the BNS with a more formal system through which management, family planning, and good nutrition. His meticulous attention
their voices could be heard, their concerns understood and recognized to detail and passion for learning has helped barangay officials to easily
identify target recipients for nutrition-related programs in the community
as they pursue their role as prime mover and catalyst for nutrition
and keep track of support generated from socio-civic organizations and
improvement in the community. other non-government partners.

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 27

 Rewarding Excellent Nutrition Service CROWN Awardees that qualify are given the Nutrition Honor Award, the
most prestigious award given by NNC to exceptional achievers in nutrition
Since 1978, NNC annually conducts the Monitoring and Evaluation of program implementation.
Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) with the aim of assessing
the efficiency and effectiveness of local governments in the planning The National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony is a major annual event of
and implementation of local nutrition programs. In conjunction with NNC. Often held at the Malacañan Palace, citations, plaques and trophies
MELLPI, the performance of BNS is likewise evaluated by NNC. These as well as cash incentives are awarded by no less than the incumbent
evaluations culminate with the recognition of local governments and president. To date, CROWN Awards have been given to 157 LGUs while 47
BNS with excellent performance in nutrition program management LGUs have won the highly-coveted Nutrition Honor Award. Meanwhile,
and implementation as well as delivery of nutrition services to the 16 BNSs have been proclaimed the National Outstanding BNS since 1997.
communities. Recognition comes in the form of awards and incentives like Data on winners prior to 1997 were among the documents damaged by
the Green Banner Award, Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Typhoon Ondoy.
Nutrition (CROWN) Award, Nutrition Honor Award (NHA) and National
Outstanding BNS (NOBNS) Award.

The Green Banner Award is given to municipalities, cities or provinces

that have shown excellent performance in the implementation of their
local nutrition programs. A Green Banner Awardee for three consecutive
years qualifies for the CROWN Award. CROWN Awardees are then visited
by an inter-agency National Evaluation Team for another three years to
assess their efforts in maintaining improved nutritional status of their
communities through the implementation of their local nutrition programs.

28 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS

 Nutrition Honor Awardees (1997-2012)
Year Region Area Year Region Area

1997 II Solana, Cagayan 2004 X Malaybalay City

III Cabanatuan City Quezon, Bukidnon
NCR Makati City Bukidnon Province
V Naga City
2005 II Tuguegarao City
1998 CAR Kapangan, Benguet
CARAGA Butuan City 2006 III Pulilan, Bulacan
CALABARZON Cabuyao, Laguna
1999 V Irosin, Sorsogon VII Inabanga, Bohol
XI Panabo City
2000 II Echague, Isabela
CALABARZON Los Baños, Laguna 2007 II Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya
CALABARZON Trece Martires City CALABARZON Calamba City
VII Calape, Bohol X Libona, Bukidnon

2001 I San Gabriel, La Union 2008 II Cagayan Province

CALABARZON Laguna Province VI Talisay City
NCR Pateros IX Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay
VII Aklan Province XI Nabunturan, Compostela Valley
VII Danao City
X Don Carlos, Bukidnon 2009 III Plaridel, Bulacan
XII Koronadal City 2010 VIII Limasawa, Southern Leyte
2002 I La Union Province X Kadingilan, Bukidnon
II Isabela Province 2011 II Batanes Province
CAR Kiangan, Ifugao Santiago City
III Sta. Maria, Bulacan IX Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay
NCR Las Piñas City
2012 VII Tubigon, Bohol
2003 II Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya X Ozamiz City
CALABARZON Tagaytay City
VI Kalibo, Aklan
VII Talibon, Bohol

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 29

 National Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholars (1996 - 2012)
YEAR NOBNS 1st RUNNER-UP 2nd RUNNER-UP

1996 Ms. Jacquiline P. Miras Ms. Celsa A. Autentico Ms. Esperanza J. Guevarra
Brgy. Ginatilan, Kidapawan City (Region XII) Brgy. Poblacion, Don Carlos, Bukidnon (Region X) Brgy. Don Galo, Parañaque City (NCR)

1997 Ms. Eden E. Barbara Ms. Amorlita B. Bayot Ms. Lolita M. Padilla
Brgy. Pacol, Naga City (Region V) Brgy. Maitim II West, Tagaytay City (CALABARZON) Brgy. Aguada, Ozamiz City (Region X)

1998 Ms. Federica N. Labrador Ms. Lilia S. Enaldo Ms. Josefina Canuto
Brgy. Amas, Kidapawan City (Region XII) Brgy. Laturan, Libona, Bukidnon (Region X) Brgy. Upper Dagsian, Baguio City (CAR)

1999 Ms. Generosa B. Sarigumba Ms. Cecilia S. Barbadillo Ms. Rosavilla D. Marcial
Brgy. Junction, Kidapawan City (Region XII) Brgy. Laturan, Libona, Bukidnon (Region X) Brgy. Poblacion, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur (CARAGA)

2000 Ms. Norma Monforte Ms. Mercedes DC. Cara Ms. Filomena P. Arances
Brgy. Pinamanculan, Butuan City (CARAGA) Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Benito Soliven, Isabela (Region II) Brgy. Macebolig, Kidapawan City (Region XII)
Ms. Ma. Fe A. Magdoza
Brgy. Abucayan Sur, Calape, Bohol (Region VII)

2001 Ms. Irenea B. Ordinario Ms. Carmelita V. Parantar Ms. Teresa T. Tanguilan
Brgy. Quinapon-an, Antequera, Bohol (Region VII) Brgy. Tacunan, Davao City (Region XI) Brgy. Cagumitan, Tuao, Cagayan (Region II)
Ms. Milagros R. Manansala
Brgy. Pulanglupa I, Las Piñas City (NCR)

2002 Ms. Marilou B. Barnuevo Ms. Virginia C. Akhtar Ms. Ophelia P. Labiano
Brgy. Zone III, Koronadal City (Region XII) Brgy. Taliptip, Bulacan, Bulacan (Region III) Brgy. 12 Tandang Sora, Butuan City (CARAGA)

2003 Ms. Metchel P. Malapad Ms. Judith C. Mañacap Ms. Susan H. Inson
Brgy. Kalasungay, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon (Region X) Brgy. Manongol, Kidapawan City (Region XII) Brgy. New Dauis, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley (Region XI)

2004 Ms. Jo Ann B. Alvez Ms. Medarda A. Isabida Ms. Maria Riza Joy A. Cortez
Brgy. Salud Mitra, Baguio City (CAR) Brgy. Kalasuyan, Kidapawan City (Region XII) Brgy. Poblacion 2, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon (Region X)

2005 Ms. Mary Grace Abad Roblon Ms. Ann DM. Mirasol Ms. Nery T. Libuna
Brgy. Sangay Diot, Ozamiz City (Region X) Brgy. San Antonio, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque (MIMAROPA) Brgy. San Ignacio, San Pablo City (CALABARZON)

2006 Ms. Adelina C. Indapan Ms. Edna R. Agora Ms. Rebecca U. Aguilar
Brgy. Casisang, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon (Region X) Brgy. Bagong Silang, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque (MIMAROPA) Brgy. Gayola, Kidapawan City (Region XII)

2007 Ms. Edna R. Agora Ms. Ma. Enone G. dela Cueva Ms. Christy L. Madayag
Brgy. Bagong Silang, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque (MIMAROPA) Brgy. A.O. Floirendo, Panabo City (Region XI) Brgy. 3, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon (Region X)

2008 Ms. Aurora G. Gancayco Mr. Eddie L. Ancheta n/a

Brgy. Cabezas, Trece Martires City (CALABARZON) Brgy. Villa Fuerte, San Mateo, Isabela (Region II)
Ms. Numerita C. Ducos
Brgy. Mibantang, Quezon, Bukidnon (Region X)
Ms. Ma. Enone G. dela Cueva
Brgy. A.O. Floirendo, Panabo City (Region XI)

2009 Mr. Angelito A. Conde Ms. Karen C. dela Peña Ms. Alfonsa P. Hingpit
Brgy. Busaon, Tagum City, Davao del Norte (Region XI) Brgy. Asisan, Tagaytay City (CALABARZON) Brgy. St. Peter, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon (Region X)

2010 Ms. Marilou P. Cañete Ms. Lina C.Guerrero Ms. Marites G. Padilla
Brgy. Concepcion Grande, Naga City (Region V) Brgy. Concepcion, Kabalasan, Zamboanga Sibugay (Region IX) Brgy. Buenavista, Maddela, Quirino (Region II)

2011 Ms. Lina C. Guerrero Ms. Monica N. Sicat Ms. Ma. Digna D. Tayong
Brgy. Concepcion, Kabalasan, Zamboanga Sibugay (Region IX) Brgy. City Camp Proper, Baguio City (CAR) Brgy. Mainit, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley (Region XI)

20 1 2 Ms. Felisa J. Guilingan Ms. Dorothy P. Felipe Mr. Sherwin C. Abellaniza

Brgy. Guinles, Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte (Region IX) Brgy. North Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon (Region X) Brgy. Magugpo East, Tagum City (Region XI)
Ms. Josephine R. Balingit
Brgy. Devilla, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque (MIMAROPA)

30 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS

 The Limasawa Municipality earned wide recognition and prominence for
ensuring sustainable nutrition action in their locality. On 25 October 2011,
Limasawa was conferred the Nutrition Honor Award by NNC in recognition
Limasawa: A Nutrition Haven of its excellence in the implementation and management of its Municipal
Home to the National Shrine where the First Catholic Mass was held in the Nutrition Program for six (6) consecutive years. That same year, Limasawa
Philippines in 1524, the Island Municipality of Limasawa, Southern Leyte was also bestowed with the “Galing Pook 2011” Award by no less than
is considered a nutritional landmark in the country. Municipal Mayor President Benigno Aquino III for achieving “good nutrition through good
Melchor P. Petracorta is considered a champion in nutrition service governance and teamwork.” In 2012, the Department of Health awarded
excellence as he has led his people in achieving better nutrition status the municipality with a plaque of recognition for its invaluable support
over the years. Under his leadership, the Municipal Nutrition Committee and contribution to the implementation of exclusive breastfeeding in the
crafted annual Nutrition Action Plans for Limasawa, identifying the root community. DOH likewise recognized Limasawa for spearheading the
causes of, and developing responses for malnutrition. Participation from elimination of rabies in the municipality.
the local community is institutionalized in programs such as the “Buntis
Baby Bank,” “Pre-Natal sa Biyernes, Pakan-on ang Buntis,” “Search for Mayor Petracorta has created quite a legacy of good nutrition for
Gandahing Buntis,” “ Super Baby,” Micronutrient Supplementation, Food Limasawa. He has been recognized as one of the mayor mentors on
Fortification (rice, flour and salt), “Tatay Ko, Kaagapay sa Kalusugan Ko,” nutrition of the Orientation for Newly-Elected Mayors (ONE-M) project of
and “Nutri-Quiz for Kids,” among others. Ordinances were put in place to the League of Municipalities of the Philippines in partnership with the NNC.
strengthen this community involvement and ensure that every citizen in He proudly shares that the accolades received by Limasawa had been the
Limasawa takes action in overcoming not only malnutrition but also infant fruits of “a collaboration of all agencies and a constituency that wants to
and maternal mortality in the municipality. ensure a healthy and nutritionally-well community.”

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 31

 Operation Timbang and has been used as a model instrument abroad as well. Countries like
Indonesia, for instance, have emulated this program through its Operasi
Among the longest running programs in nutrition that has received wide Timbang.
acceptance is the Operation Timbang (OPT). Launched in 1974, OPT is
the annual weighing of all pre-schoolchildren in an effort to locate families LAKASS
with malnourished children. This survey also identifies children in need of
immediate aid. Conducted every first quarter of every year, OPT creates Lalakas ang Katawang Sapat sa Sustansiya, more widely known as the
awareness on nutrition concerns nationwide by generating concrete LAKASS Program, was launched in 1989 and is ongoing in selected areas
data from the grassroots communities on actual nutrition situations. On around the country. Funded by the Government of the Philippines (GoP),
12 January 2012, the NNC Governing Board approved Resolution No. from the GoP-Japan Increased Food Production Programme, LAKASS
2, Series of 2012 entitled “Approving the Implementing Guidelines on covers 181 nutritionally depressed municipalities nationwide. The program
Operation Timbang Plus (OPT Plus)” that now includes height assessment aims to (a) improve the nutrition situation in all identified nutritionally
to detect stunting among children. These new guidelines were based on depressed municipalities, and (b) provide effective and sustainable services
the World Health Organization-Child Growth Standards which “combines for the community to improve their nutrition situation.
the measurement of weight and length/height to better describe a child’s
nutritional status in terms of degree and form of undernutrition.” LAKASS has displayed effectiveness through the years and expanded
operations to other depressed communities within targeted municipalities
These pieces of information prove most valuable to local program with the support of local chief executives. Community involvement in
planning and policy formulation through regular monitoring of the project identification, implementation and management is a proven
weight of children 0-6 years old. This also provides a platform through component of this program. LAKASS provided a mechanism through
which priority areas for implementation of key nutrition programs are which NNC has empowered and mobilized people at the grassroots level,
determined. OPT has become a landmark program of the government enabling the local communities to build and sustain their capabilities to
improve their nutrition situation.

32 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS

Multi-Media Visibility The annual nationwide celebration of NNC’s Nutrition Month is crucial to
driving the agency’s campaigns. In July 2013, with the theme “Gutom at
NNC tapped into various forms of media to ensure that the relevant malnutrisyon, sama-sama nating wakasan,” NNC culminated its month-long
nutrition messages came across to as many of the population as possible. celebration with its first concert featuring Ryzza Mae Dizon, Nikki Gil, Noel
Television, radio and print media, and lately the Internet, are used to Cabangon, Luis Manzano, Princess Velasco and starring Bamboo. Dubbed
convey key messages on nutrition – causes of malnutrition, nutrition as the “End Hunger Concert,” this culmination of the 2013 Nutrition Month
and related services made available to the public, and the best means of was held at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia.
reducing and preventing it.

Campaigns to inform and educate came in various forms, teaching families

about the benefits of the very fruits and vegetables they can find in their
backyard to ensure their nutritional well-being. Nutri-education campaigns
such as “Ang Bayabas, Bow” and “Ang Kangkong, Bow” in the ‘80s made
it to AM radio and TV, allowing listeners and viewers to learn about
nutritional values of highlighted fruits and vegetables as well as recipes
they can use to make sure these are served to their families. Various radio
and television plugs on key nutrition messages such as those on exclusive
breastfeeding were aired on national commercial and government
television stations (ABS-CBN, GMA 7, RPN 9, and IBC 13) as well as selected
radio stations (DZMM, DZBB, DZRH, DZXL, DWWW and DZRB). NNC airs
its own radio program “One Nutrition, One Nation” every Wednesday
afternoon through the 25 Nutriskwela community radio stations.

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 33

 The Accolades that Matter

NNC has garnered well-deserved recognition and respect from local and NNC’s television programs “Busog Lusog” and “Why Not?,” an educational
international organizations since its birth in 1974. Numerous citations and infotainment program produced and televised in partnership with the
awards now decorate the Nutrition Building, further strengthening the ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc., have received four AnakTV Seal Awards. “Why
NNC Secretariat’s resolve in combating malnutrition. Not?” is also recognized as a “Child-Friendly Program” by the Department
of Education (DepED) and is a certified children’s program for television
The agency’s radio programs such as “Radyo Mo sa Nutrisyon” and by the National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT) and the Movie
“Katumbas ay Biyaya” have both been awarded Best Radio Public Service and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). It has also been
Program by the 21st Golden Dove Awards of the Kapisanan ng mga included by the Entertainment Press Society, Inc. (ENPRESS) and the
Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and the 35th Catholic Mass Media Awards, Golden Screen TV Awards as a finalist under the Outstanding Educational
respectively. In addition, “Radyo Mo sa Nutrisyon” was recently recognized Program category in the 5th Golden Screen TV Awards.
for the second time as the Best Radio Public Service Program during the
22nd KBP-Golden Dove Awards held in April 2014. Meanwhile, the “Buntis On top of the agency’s growing number of accolades, NNC’s incumbent
Congress,” an annual event held in partnership with ABS-CBN-DZMM and Executive Director, Assistant Secretary of Health Maria-Bernardita T. Flores
the Midwives Foundation of the Philippines, is a 2013 IABC Philippine Quill has likewise reaped numerous awards over the years for her contributions
Awardee for Corporate Social Responsibility and is a recipient of the 2014 to Philippine nutrition. She was hailed in June 1998 as Outstanding
Anvil Award of Merit (Public Relations Tools, Events and Activation) from Alumna, Master of Professional Studies on Food and Nutrition Planning
the Public Relations Society of the Philippines. by the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food, College of Human Ecology,

34 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS

University of the Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna. She also received a Dietitians Association of the Philippines. She also won the Outstanding
Distinguished Alumna Award from the University in the same year. In Professional/Home Economist Award – Government Service category from
February 2005, A/Sec. Flores won the Ten Leaders in Nutrition and the College of Home Economics, UP Diliman in June 2008.
Dietetics Award for Program Administration category from the Nutritionist-

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 35

Helping Hands

“All these aspects of nutrition – food,

water, jobs, health care, etc. – these are
like the spokes of a wheel. Losing any
one of these spokes and the wheel will
not turn properly.”
Imelda Romualdez-Marcos
Beyond Boundaries Nutrition Action Plans

Probably the best testament to the efficacy of the multisectoral and Philippine nutrition programs and plans of action over the years have
multi-agency approach are the successes of programs and projects been under constant review and scrutiny with the aim of improving their
coordinated by NNC with its partner agencies and local government units. scientific quality and coherence, practicality, sustainability and efficacy.
A multi-faceted gem, NNC pools resources from its partners in the form of Interagency cooperation has showed much improvement, all in accordance
programs and projects that address the different aspects of nutrition to with the nutrition plans of action developed over the years. The Philippine
prevent hunger and malnutrition. nutrition plans have successfully been integrated into the Philippine
Development Plan, lodging nutrition further up the national priority ladder.
The country’s nutrition problems have been determined to be rooted in With the help of NNC’s inter-agency Technical Committee, the agency has
unemployment, low or no income, high food prices, physical inaccessibility, successfully drawn active participation from members of the Council and
low food supply, inadequate road systems, poor water supply, and poor its Governing Board.
health. The creation of NNC was based not only on the realization of the
need to deliver more concerted and organized efforts to arrest hunger and The Right Mix
malnutrition. This also came with the realization that, with the growing
number of agencies and organizations across sectors, nutrition action NNC has been reorganized over time, changed policy and program
delivered to those who need it most has to address all identified roots of directions, refined approaches and enhanced strategies to develop
hunger and malnutrition. The dynamics of this interagency partnership tailor-fitted approaches to the areas where malnutrition is evident. The
has evolved over the years in attempts to create the perfect combination agencies tied to NNC have gone through lengths, developing programs and
of services for those suffering from or are vulnerable to nutrition supporting NNC’s policy intruments to advance actions taken to improve
problems. the country’s nutrition situation.

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 37

 The ten agencies that make up NNC’s Governing Board were selected on basic commodities. DILG is tasked to organize local nutrition committees as
the premise of producing programs and policies that address the different well as issue department circulars for the adoption of nutrition policies and
aspects of nutrition that dictate the types of issues that may arise. For programs by local governments.
instance, cash-for-work projects have been delivered by DSWD to highly
impoverished and calamity-stricken areas in the country, allowing target The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) ensures that funds
households access to income so they can afford to buy food and other and other resources are appropriated and released in a timely manner for
basic needs. DepED has incorporated several information campaigns to nutrition programs and projects under the PPAN through the NNC and
educate children and parents on good nutrition choices and practices. DA its member agencies. The DBM also takes on an active role in monitoring
has farm-to-market road construction projects that not only eases access and evaluating the implementation of the PPAN to ensure its efficient and
to food supplies but also provide employment to members of households in effective financial management.
the communities where these roads are built. DOLE, on the other hand, has
made training and employment opportunities available for the marginalized Nutrition in Emergencies
poor with the aid of other partner agencies and organizations. Further still,
DOH continues to promote universal health care for all. In recent years, the Philippines has experienced a harrowing number
of natural and human-induced calamities that added to the distress in
Meanwhile, DOST has set up a Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Program alongside DOLE, the country’s nutritional situation. Emergency and crisis situations, the
DSWD and state universities and colleges, that provide financial grants and aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda for example, often result in a heightened
technical assistance for community-based projects that provide a means of susceptibility to food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition. Evaluating
livelihood for residents. The NEDA, on the other hand, being responsible effects, understanding coping mechanisms and detecting resilience of
for national development planning ensures that nutrition is included in the affected population is necessary in order to accurately target, design
the Philippine Development Agenda. The DTI protects the welfare of and implement appropriate strategies that will not only protect but also
consumers through its price monitoring and ensuring the availability of promote and ensure good nutrition during these difficult times.

38 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Bureau of Plant Industry, Coconut
adopted the UN Cluster System in 2007. This system is put in place in Industry Investment Fund, National Food Authority, National Irrigation
order to minimize overlapping interventions in affected communities, Administration, Philippine Coconut Authority); Department of Budget and
thereby contributing to more long-term responses rather than quick Management; Department of Environment and Natural Resources (Philippine
fixes. It requires the participation of different sectors to address key Forest Corporation); Department of Education; Department of Health
needs that will help the people back on their feet. In the Health Cluster of (Commission on Population, National Nutrition Council); Department of the
the NDRRMC for instance, the NNC was recently designated chair of the Interior and Local Government (Philippine National Police); Department
Nutrition Cluster. As such, NNC leads the nutrition cluster to ensure that of Labor and Employment; Technical Education and Skills Development
the nutritional status of affected populations will not worsen by facilitating Authority; Department of Public Works and Highways; Department of Social
strategic collaboration and ensuring comprehensiveness of the emergency Welfare and Development; Department of Transportation and Communication
management as well as resource mobilization and integration of cross- (Philippine Ports Authority); National Economic and Development Authority;
cutting nutrition concerns with other clusters. Office of the President (Commission on Higher Education, National Anti-
Poverty Commission, Metro Manila Development Authority); People’s Credit
Hunger Mitigation and Finance Corporation; Armed Forces of the Philippines; and the Catholic
Bishops Conference of the Philippines/National Secretariat for Social Action.
Considered as one of the most successful interagency programs, the
Accelerated Hunger-Mitigation Program (AHMP) is an active government A key component of this program, Promote Good Nutrition (PGN), is
response preventing the increasing prevalence of hunger incidence in the managed by NNC and aims to improve nutrition knowledge, attitudes and
Philippines by addressing hunger in a holistic manner from both supply practices of Filipino families.
and demand sides. On the supply side, measures are along producing
more food and efficient delivery of food to whom and where it is needed. The AHMP owes much of its success to the hands-on support of then
On the demand side, measures are along putting more money in poor President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who closely monitored the progress
people’s pockets, promoting good nutrition and managing population made by implementing agencies and provided substantial financial support
levels. to NNC for the implementation particularly of the Promote Good Nutrition
component and the monitoring and coordination of the program’s
Further to this, NNC was designated oversight of the Anti-Hunger Task components.
Force composed of national agencies to implement AHMP programs. These
agencies include Department of Agrarian Reform (Presidential Agrarian
Reform Council); Department of Agriculture (Bureau of Animal Industry,

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 39

Our Guiding Lights
The multisectoral approach to nutrition action in the The accomplishments of the NNC were made possible through the efforts
of many. However, there are those whose contributions stand out and
Philippines allowed for an arsenal of great minds from needs to be recognized.
different sectors to create nutrition plans of action that
Dr. Florentino S. Solon
address malnutrition in the country. The NNC Secretariat, Known to NNC employees as “the idea man,” Dr. Florentino Solon has
Governing Board and Technical Committee have been been described as a true nutrition champion right down to the bone. He
inspired NNC staff to create and share their nutrition “dreams,” which later
breaking new ground in providing a workable framework translated to actual programs and projects delivered to the communities.
for LGUs through the local nutrition committees across the Dr. Solon was appointed Executive Director of NNC and the Nutrition
Center of the Philippines (NCP) in 1974 and, through his “dreams,”
nation to operationalize targets and actions that best suit projects such as the OPT and designing the espada for weighing preschool
their own nutrition situations. These three bodies shoulder children, Barangay Nutrition Scholar, Green Banner award, malnutrition
rehabilitation wards (malwards), nutri-huts for rural communities, nutri-
the arduous task of shaping the blueprint for all nutrition village for entire communities, Pabasa sa Nutrisyon using the Nutri-Guide,
action in the country that not only addresses the country’s Nutri-bus, and the “Malunggay Kada Balay” initiative, among others, were
created and set into motion. He also led in the development of fortified
malnutrition problem but also results in improvement of food products – nutripaks, nutri-gro biscuits, nutri-noodles – that were later
lives of Filipinos. distributed in aid of communities where malnutrition manifested. The list
of Dr. Solon’s invaluable contributions to the national nutrition program
goes on but, more importantly, he is recognized as the man who “never
stopped thinking of how things in nutrition can be better.”

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 41

 Ms. Elsa M. Bayani to address hunger and malnutrition, and long-term strategies to prevent
Joining NNC in April 1989, Ms. Elsa Bayani served as Executive Director these from threatening the nutritional well-being of Filipinos across the
of the agency for over 15 years. Taking up the reins in advocating for nation.
nutrition action, Ms. Bayani devoted herself to strengthen implementation
and coordination efforts for programs such as LAKASS, PPAN, MELLPI, Dr. Rodolfo F. Florentino
Give Me Five!, Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Information and Mapping Assuming the Chairmanship of NNC’s Technical Committee while having
Systems (FIVIMS), salt iodization and food fortification programs. Her been appointed as Director of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute
commitment to the agency and her strong belief in the agency’s thrust in (FNRI) in 1984, Dr. Rodolfo Florentino was a valuable contributor in the
defeating the nutrition problems of the country won much respect from development of key initiatives such as Nutrition Surveillance, and Food
many leaders, allowing her to acquire additional funds to augment NNC’s Insecurity and Vulnerability Mapping System (FIVIMS). He likewise
budget for special projects such as LAKASS. chaired and participated in the monitoring and evaluation of PPAN and
represented NNC in various meetings called by the agency and its network
Dr. Dulce Laurel-Bocobo of agencies and international partners including UNICEF, WHO and FAO.
Albeit spending less than two years as Executive Director of NNC, Dr. Dulce He continued being a valuable resource to NNC as a consultant for a range
Laurel-Bocobo’s rich expertise honed during her tenure in the Food and of initiatives even after his retirement from FNRI in 1997 and assumed the
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations was truly a gem to behold. post of Chairman-President of the Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines,
A published author of several reference books on food and nutrition, one of the most active non-government organizations in nutrition during
Dr. Bocobo was among the major movers of the paradigm shift that led the early years of NNC.
the Philippine government to view nutrition as a valuable input to, rather
than a product of, national development. She led the NNC in adopting Nutrition Action Officers
the Nutrition Policy statement of 1988, directing the agency to flesh out The nutrition action officers in the country are the little NNC Secretariats
the Nutrition-in-Development approach that requires direct interventions at the local level. They may be serving as NAOs by designation or hired

42 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS

full-time but they help coordinate the local nutrition program. They on improving the nutritional well-being of Filipinos, she founded the
ensure that nutrition committees are organized and functional, nutrition Nutrition Center of the Philippines (NCP) that same year and paved the
action plans are formulated, adopted by the sanggunian or local legislative way for international organizations like USAID, UNICEF, WHO and FAO of
council and integrated into the local development plan and local annual the United Nations to provide much-needed aid assistance in delivering
investment plan, a budget for nutrition is provided, and that the nutrition nutrition services to barangays. She took bold steps to have the agency
action plan is implemented, monitored and evaluated. The NNC is sincerely build mechanisms to allow for nutrition action to be delivered nationwide,
grateful to all the nutrition action officers in the country. through which NNC received wide recognition globally.

CODHEND Assistant Secretary Maria-Bernardita T. Flores

The Council of Deans and Heads of Schools of Nutrition and Dietetics Currently the longest serving NNC employee, Assistant Secretary of
(CODHEND) is a member of NNC’s Technical Committee, providing an Health and concurrent Executive Director Maria-Bernardita T. Flores
academic perspective to nutrition action for the agency. Prof. Milagros joined the agency in November 1975 literally right after stepping out of
Querubin shared that CODHEND “maintains a critical analysis of NNC the university. To say that “ASec. Bernie,” as she is fondly called by peers
initiatives to ensure that plans and programs that utilize people’s money and fellow employees, “has contributed plenty to the agency” is quite
are based on proven scientific data and are truly responsive to national the understatement. From streamlining processes in administration and
interest and serving the underserved Filipino families.” Among their most finance, regional operations and the technical service to creating the
significant contributions include a major publication in nutrition entitled Management Audit and Improvement Program (MAIP), ASec. Bernie is
“Nutrition in the Philippines – the Past for Its Template , Red for its Color” indeed making waves at firing up improvements right in her own backyard.
written by Professor Emeritus Cecilia A. Florencio, former Dean of the She has ensured that NNC acquires the annual budget it requires for its
College of Home Economics of UP Diliman, former Chair of CODHEND, operations and initiatives, successfully getting approval for a PhP420.973
and former member of the NNC Governing Board. This publication was Million budget in 2008 – more than twice the budget the agency received
an offshoot of a review that Dr. Florencio conducted on the 1999-2004 the year before. She actively participates in nutrition information and
Medium Term Plan of Action for Nutrition for the NNC. education campaigns through NNC’s Saturday radio programs “Katumbas
ay Biyaya” on DZRH and “Radyo Mo sa Nutrisyon” on DZXL. Proudly, she
Rep. Imelda Romualdez-Marcos shares that the agency is currently working on its ISO certification and has
Former First Lady and incumbent Second District Representative of been actively developing its social media integration. The list goes on as
Ilocos Norte Honorable Imelda Romualdez-Marcos is among the most far as her contributions are concerned and the legacy she will leave NNC
instrumental in the creation of NNC in 1974. Furthering her advocacy with will surely be one for the books.

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 43

Chairpersons of the NNC Governing Board

Arturo R. Tanco Jr. Salvador H. Escudero III Ramon V. Mitra Jr. Mita Pardo de Tavera Carlos G. Dominguez
1974-1984 1984-1986; 1996-1998 1986-1987 1987-1988 1988-1989

Senen C. Bacani Roberto S. Sebastian William D. Dar Edgardo J. Angara Domingo F. Panganiban
1990-1992 1992-1996 1998-1999 1999-2001 2001; 2005-2006

Leonardo Q. Montemayor Luis P. Lorenzo Jr. Arthur C. Yap Francisco T. Duque III Enrique T. Ona
2001-2002 2002-2004 2004-2005 2005-2009 2010-present
 NNC Executive Directors

NNC Governing Board Members

Enrique T. Ona
Chair, NNC Governing Board
Secretary of Health

Proceso J. Alcala
Vice-Chair, NNC Governing Board
Secretary of Agriculture
Dr. Florentino S. Solon Dr. Delfina B. Aguillon Dr. Josefina A. Salvaña
16 July 1974 – 31 December 1979 1 January 1980 - 31 March 1986 1 April 1986 - 24 August 1987 Manuel A. Roxas II
Vice-Chair, NNC Governing Board
Secretary of the Interior and Local Government

Florencio B. Abad
Secretary of Budget and Management

Bro. Armin A. Luistro, FSC

Secretary of Education

Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz
Secretary of Labor and Employment

Corazon Juliano-Soliman
Secretary of Social Welfare and Development
Dr. Dulce Laurel-Bocobo Elsa M. Bayani Asuncion L. Macalalag
25 August 1987 - 28 February 1989 1 April 1989 - 14 August 1996; Acting Executive Director Mario G. Montejo
9 July 1998 - 15 June 2006 15 August 1996 – 08 July 1998 Secretary of Science and Technology

Arsenio M. Balisacan
Secretary of Socio-Economic Planning
Director-General, National Economic and Development
Authority

Gregory L. Domingo
Secretary of Trade and Industry

Maria Bernardita T. Flores, CESO II

Assistant Secretary of Health
Executive Director IV and Council Secretary

A/Sec. of Health Maria-Bernardita T. Flores

16 June 2006-present
We Look to the Future
Armed with a better understanding of lessons from the past, NNC is leaders to learn about all conceivable factors that affect their nutritional
committed to advancing its delivery of nutrition policies and programs status, how these factors interrelate and how they impact on their health
that will reduce if not entirely eliminate malnutrition and consequently and their lives as a whole. It is important, therefore, to empower leaders at
improve the nutritional well-being and lives of Filipinos across the country. the barangay level through legislation, partner with the private sector and
A stronger, more aggressive NNC is envisioned… an agency making full mobilize more nutrition volunteers, among others.
use of its authority and capability to address not only malnutrition but
also its roots through a synergistic engagement with sectors outside the Meanwhile, members of the NNC Secretariat are looking forward to more
“traditional” nutrition community in government and the private sector as opportunities for staff improvement, thereby allowing them to contribute
well, and maximally using the resources. to higher goals. This elevated level of empowerment translates to a
greater sense of personal achievement, and a sense of ownership in the
NNC’s accomplishments, policy framework and plans for nutrition action agency’s advocacies for nutrition. The employees of the NNC Secretariat
will undergo constant review and scrutiny through which the agency hopes has formed its Employees Association called NNCEA. The Secretariat
to continue gathering more insights on how to deliver more effective looks forward to the continuing development of its members through their
policies and programs to the people. Over time, the agency has evolved association. For the past forty years, NNC employees have proven that the
in order to meet the challenges of the nutrition community – validating successes and setbacks in achieving the nutrition goals serve as stepping
scientific evidence upon which nutrition programs and policy formulation stones for NNC to move forward with a clearer picture of what lies ahead.
are founded; redesigning programs and activating mechanisms based on
operational data; and constantly assessing the impact of these policies,
programs and mechanisms based on studies conducted here and abroad.

The dynamics of NNC’s working relations with its partner agencies as well
as the local government, especially at the grassroots level, can still see
further improvement. Creating the right mix of interventions that address
the actual nutrition situation in barangays is a tall order, tough to achieve
but not at all impossible. Many LGUs have been successful in attaining and
sustaining this – Limasawa, Southern Leyte is one such example. In order
for other LGUs to replicate this level of success in their nutrition programs,
NNC has to establish itself better at the local level to enable community

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 47

The White Knights of NNC

“This is how NNC works… this is

how coordination is done… no matter
what storm comes our way or who sits
as President. We are driven by our
principles and our mandate.”
Ellen Ruth F. Abella
Nutrition Officer IV, Nutrition Surveillance Division, NNC
Vice-President of the NNC Employees Association
Forty years since its inception in 1974, NNC has had the privilege of retaining
the services of true nutrition champions. Their invaluable contributions,
unwavering work ethic, indefatigable passion and steadfast commitment to the
agency’s mission have driven NNC closer to achieving its nutrition goals for the
country. These esteemed white knights of nutrition know that the work is never
done, that their strategies and approaches can still see further improvement,
but the devoted warriors that they are will continue pushing forward until the
country’s nutrition goals are achieved.

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 49

50 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS
NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 51
52 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS
 Nutrition Policy and
Planning Division
Julius Cesar P. Alejandre, Maria
Lourdes A. Vega, Wilma D. Cruz,
Rachel L. Basconcillo, Jane Christine
B. Guballa, Margarita DC. Enriquez,
Strawberry C. Francia, Dianne Kristine
P. Cornejo, Lalaine M. Carlos
(Not in photo: Marivic S. Samson,
Armando P. Manglicmot, Rea S.
Bagagunio)

Nutrition Surveillance Division

Alipio P. Salipot Jr., Hygeia Ceres
Catalina B. Gawe, May Jennifer E.
Zabala, Karen Kay Mejos, Jeline
Marie M. Corpuz, Jasmine Anne F.
Tandingan, Ellen Ruth F. Abella,
Jomarie L. Tongol, Frederich Christian
S. Tan, Maru Azulea Tinio, Alona E. Teo
(Not in photo: Ma. Cynthia B. Vengco)

Office of the Executive Director

Fema H. Abiog, A/Sec. of Health Maria-
Bernardita T. Flores, Lorna L. Rodriguez

Nutrition Information and

Education Division
Ana Maria B. Rosaldo, Jovita B. Raval,
Marilou R. Enteria, Ma. Katrina A.
Demetrio, Ma. Cecilia Rosario V.
Sta. Ana, Katherine DC. Villanueva,
Teodora C. Castor, Merlin M. Gabriel,
Mariles H. Buban, Daniel G. Salunga,
Ralph P. Calucag

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 55

 Administrative Division
Maybelle T. Aspeli, Serapio D. Camarines, Agrifina M. De Villa,
Constancia G. Garcia, Imelda M. Catapang, Cynthia V. Tabangay,
Jinky B. Benitez, Normelinda N. Cortez, Josephine T. Santos,
Chona M. Fernandez, Danilo G. Balacuit, Siegfredo B. Hojas Jr.,
Amado F. Ferreras, Rolando A. Calub
(Not in photo: Arnel T. Dimaano, Jennilyn C. Vinluan, Rubelyn U.
Mangi)

Financial and
Management Division
Chrizy Joyce Z. Sace, Rosanna
S. Quillope, Ma. Leslie Angelie
M. Carreon, Mirasol B. Carbon,
Ma. Celerina S. Ampe, Andrea
L. Cardinoza, Jennifer S. Palileo Region 1
Standing: Ethelreina A. Balisnomo, Marcelino N. Aaron,
Esperanza F. Manganti
Sitting: Rose Lulu P. Pagaduan, NPC Ma. Eileen B.
Blanco, Ma. Teresa G. Lomboy

56 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS

 Region 2
Arrian Nika C. Dumaliang, Ma. Gisela M.
Lonzaga, Franklin T. Mariano, NPC Rhodora
G. Maestre, Leendon C. Vilgera and Katrina
Mildred P. Langcay
(Not in photo: Mark Magas)

Cordillera Administrative Region

Kendall A. Gatan, Brett Howard U. Sugando,
Rosalia F. Pablo, NPC Rita D. Papey, Bella M.
Basalong, Mario M. Salamat
Region 3
Standing: Rose Anne M. Cuyco, Joie B. Sicat, Raisa
Leona S. Tan
Sitting: Dulce E. Santos, NPC Florinda V. Panlilio,
Angelita M. Pasos
(Not in photo: Karlo M. Dimalanta)

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 57

 NCR CALABARZON
Standing: Noemee Belle G. Lourdes B. Bulante, Arlene R.
Serreon, Joseph O. Rodriguez, Robles, Marciano S. Cruz,
Princess Jean M. Algones, NPC Carina Z. Santiago, Mary
Charmie B. Galo Mei B Javier, Ma. Rochell L.
Sitting: Maricar N. Mendoza, Pascual
NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo, (Not in photo: Hannah Christina
Emerenciana L. Francia P. Clemente, Reynaldo B. del
Rosario)

MIMAROPA
Ferdinand C. Ocampo, Donnah
May S. Guevarra, NPC Carina Z.
Santiago, Sheila Marie A. Vergara,
Lhon Ryan B. Cordero
(Not in photo: Grazelle Marren A.
Bonacua, Allan T. Dolor)

58
58 NATIONAL
NATIONALNUTRITION
NUTRITIONCOUNCIL
COUNCIL• •40
40YEARS
YEARS
 Region 6
Standing: Andres T. Nieles Jr., Sheryl C. Sedantes,
Gerald Randolf C. Supremo,
Sitting: Melinda T. Jamelo, NPC Nona B. Tad-y,
Karen Joy C. Sargado

Region 5
Mareim D. Barcenas,
Emelyn A. Vidar,
Marlyn L. Beldad,
NPC Arlene R. Reario,
Marilyn C. Valeza,
Jessie B. Llorca

Region 7
Standing: Lucy C. Arellano, Eula Althea R. Mayol,
Nasudi G. Soluta, Michele L. Nedruda
Sitting: Eduardo B. Baguio, NPC Parolita A.
Mission, Susan Y. Orpilla
Region 8
Standing: Romeo F. Armeje, Jr., Christopher L. Abueme
Sitting: Elinore Aline O. Grande, Clytie A. Sta. Cruz, NPC Catalino P.
Dotollo, Jr., Rina A. Ladrera

NURTURING
NURTURINGTHE
THEFILIPINO
FILIPINOTOWARDS
TOWARDSAASTRONGER
STRONGERNATION
NATION 59
59
 Region 9 Region 10
Standing: Felimon J. Standing: Generie D. Bantog, Sherill
Modillas, Jr., Gabriel Faith B. Pineda
C. Tubigon, Abner E. Sitting: Hermie B. Tan Jr., NPC Marissa
Mojica DM. Navales, Helen G. Alferez
Sitting: Nimfa D.
Ekong, NPC Maria
Del Pilar Pamela R.
Tarroza, Zhalimar A.
Jakaria

Region 11
Standing: Easter Sunshine S. Catedral,
Adonis B. Genobatin, Marcel Paul B.
Maglaqui, Fe Caren C. Quiban
Sitting: Retsebeth M. Laquihon, NPC Maria
Teresa L. Ungson, Ma. Liza L. Salvador

60 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS

 CARAGA
Nancy C. Sarabosing, Keith Lester Y. Loren, Rowena
C. Gomez, OIC-NPC Minerva P. Molon, Retsebeth M.
Laquihon, Leah Vina P. Vargas, Mariecar S. Ometer

Region 12
Standing: Fatima E. Pedroso, Roselle M.
Rentoza, Risa Joy D. Bautista, Maricel B.
Rodriguez, Ma. Lani C. Sondia
Sitting: Gladys Mae S. Fernandez, NPC Arceli M.
Latonio, Romeo S. Sogo

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

Nasima Sharief, Nor-ain Hasim, Eloisa Usman, Maleja M. Daud-Jaamil, Hannah
Farinah M. Lidasan, OIC-NPC Kadil Jojo M. Sinolinding Jr., Jessen T. Masukat,
Abdulrakman Abedin

NURTURING THE FILIPINO TOWARDS A STRONGER NATION 61

 Acknowledgments
This book “Forty Years –Nurturing The Filipino Towards A Stronger Nation” published by the National Nutrition
Council, covering the period 1974 to 2014, was made possible by the collective efforts and contributions of the following:

Mr. Daniel G. Salunga Dr. Florentino S. Solon

Nutrition Officer II, Nutrition Information and Education Division NNC Executive Director, 1974 to 1979

Ms. Marilou R. Enteria Dr. Dulce Laurel-Bocobo

Nutrition Officer IV, Nutrition Information and Education Division NNC Executive Director, 1987 to 1989

Ms. Jovita B. Raval Ms. Elsa M. Bayani

Nutrition Officer V and Chief, Nutrition Information and Education Division NNC Executive Director, 1989 to 1996, 1998 to 2006

Ms. Maria Lourdes A. Vega

Interview Respondents: Nutrition Officer V and Chief, Nutrition Policy and Planning Division
Hon. Imelda Romualdez-Marcos
Representative, Second District, Ilocos Norte Ms. Ellen Ruth F. Abella
Nutrition Officer IV, Nutrition Surveillance Division
Prof. Milagros P. Querubin Vice-President, NNC Employees Association
Chairperson, Council of Deans and Heads of Schools of Nutrition
and Dietetics (CODHEND) Assistant Secretary of Health Maria-Bernardita T. Flores, CESO II
Member, NNC Technical Committee NNC Executive Director IV

Dr. Rodolfo F. Florentino

Chairman-President, Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines
Former NNC Technical Committee Chairperson

62 NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL • 40 YEARS