13/09/2025
𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐳𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞
A productive, collaborative, and fun-filled day marked the 11th of September as the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Calabarzon successfully hosted the face-to-face 3rd Joint Calabarzon Regional Associations Meeting, series 2025 at the Berjaya Makati Hotel, Makati City. Spearheaded by Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator (RNPC) Ms. Lourdes Bulante-Orongan, the meeting brought together passionate Local Nutrition Focal Points (LNFPs) from across the region.
Participants included members of the Nutrition Action Officers of the Philippines Association (NAOPA) Calabarzon Chapter, District/City/Municipal Nutrition Program Coordinators Association of the Philippines (DCMNPCAP) Calabarzon Chapter, and the Federation of Barangay Nutrition Scholars in Region IV-A (FBNS IV-A), Inc. Presidents of regional associations were present, namely DCMNPCAP President Ms. Dessa May R. Alibangbang, and FBNS IV-A President Mr. Danilo Posion.
RNPC Bulante-Orongan warmly welcomed participants from 24 Local Government Units (LGUs) across Calabarzon and presented the day’s provisional agenda, which the body duly approved. Nutrition Officer II Ms. Kyla C. Guarda then reviewed the key highlights from the previous virtual meeting held on 19 May 2025.
The meeting moved into its main business, where NO II Guarda and RNPC Bulante-Orongan facilitated a feedback session on the status of report submissions and related documents. The OPT DQC and OPT Plus Version 2 Tool status were presented per province, followed by discussions on causes of delay and encountered challenges. Progress on LNAP 2026–2028 formulation and Local Nutrition Committee (LNC) functionality were reviewed, along with updates for the Calabarzon NAOs and NPCs Directory. Throughout the session, P/C/MNAOs, DCMNPCs, and FBNS IV-A members provided live updates, with NNC Calabarzon offering support to address any reporting gaps.
Project Development Officer (PDO) I Ms. Anne Nicole S. Gonzales presented a summary of the 2024 Local Government Unit Health Scorecard (LGU HSC) Nutrition-Related Indicators for all 147 LGUs of Calabarzon. Some discrepancies in submitted data were addressed, and reached an agreement to ensure quality of reports submitted. She also shared significant regional findings from the 2023 National Nutrition Survey (NNS). Persistent issues were noted in food security, stunting, wasting, overnutrition, anemia, vitamin A deficiency, and low breastfeeding rates. She relayed the call to action presented by the Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) to address the problems of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, and improve dietary intake among others. PDO I Gonzales concluded her session by announcing upcoming NNC Calabarzon events, including the Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony (RNAC) scheduled for 24 September 2025.
After a hearty lunch, participants had their respective association meetings:
- NAOPA Calabarzon Chapter, led by RNPC Bulante-Orongan, finalized plans for their much-anticipated Calabarzon NAOs Conference on 9–10 October in Tagaytay City.
- DCMNPCAP Calabarzon Chapter, with NO II Guarda and President Alibangbang, held their election of vacated officers, ensuring leadership continuity and fresh perspectives.
- FBNS IV-A Inc., facilitated by PDO I Gonzales and President Posion, detailed plans for the upcoming 3rd BNS Congress on 17 October in Lipa City.
Each breakout session was highly productive, with members expressing excitement for their upcoming activities and renewed commitment to nutrition advocacy.
As the day wrapped up, the regional stakeholders agreed to reconvene for their next face-to-face joint meeting this November 2025. The event was not only productive and purpose-driven, but also a meaningful opportunity for camaraderie, learning, and mutual support—a testament to Calabarzon’s united front in the fight against malnutrition.
Together, the region moves forward—healthier, stronger, and more united than ever.
Written by:
PDO I Anne Nicole S. Gonzales, RND
RNPC Lourdes Bulante-Orongan, RND, MDM