Nutrition Program hits its most coveted award

      ‘Perfected Over Time’ , this is how  National Nutrition Council described  Pilar’s Nutrition Program  during the Awarding Ceremony in 2019. Let us take a quick rundown of the journey that was traversed courageously by the Municipal Nutrition Council.

      In 1989, Municipal Nutrition Committee (MNC) of Pilar was organized and started to partake on planning for Social Sector’s PPAs, this special body is duly headed by the Honorable Mayor Carolyn C. Sy-Reyes and periodically reorganized per R.A. 7610(Local Government Code).

      The prevalence of malnutrition, specifically Protein Energy Malnutrition, among preschoolers and school children were then alarming. Several interventions from National Government Agencies had been applied to be able to improve every child’s nutritional status.

      Together with the evolution of categories of those under nutrition were implementation of integrated approaches and innovation at the local level, that gradually improved such prevalence.

      In 2020, Municipality of Pilar ranked lowest at the Provincial Level for four categories:

• • • • • Weight-for-Age,
        • Height-for-Age,
        • Weight-for-Height and Overweight plus Obesity – among preschoolers.

      This result didn’t happen overnight. Actions and Decisions played a very vital role, intervention projects and determination of the key players were evidently manifested how Pilar were able to slay the giant of malnutrition.

      It’s not yet a Zero Malnutrition! We still have to work harder and better! Being the 2nd largest in terms of land area and population among municipalities in Sorsogon , Pilar faces the biggest challenge of sustaining these low status.

      Partnership with the Private Sectors and NGOs like Jolibee Group Foundation( JGF),  EDUCO formerly INTERVIDA, Plan International, World Vision and Seaoil Philippines ignited in a stronger and braver battle against malnutrition.

      The Recognition that Pilar received year after year brought much inspiration to continue the journey.

      As we continue to serve our community, each MNC member is guided with the vision of developing Pilar, Sorsogon ‘A responsibly-governed and nutritionally-exellent community’.

(Pilar MNAO)