Nutrition Council taps community radio stations in reaching out to the grassroots
By Jennifer Gaitano
Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, Dr. NiΓ±o Archie Labordo of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga, expressed his appreciation to the localities for patronizing the Nutriskwela community radio station in the municipality of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. The NNC constantly monitors the operations and monthly submission of accomplishment reports by Radyo Kaagapay. Photo courtesy of NNC-Caraga.
BUTUAN CITY – The National Nutrition Council (NNC) in the Caraga region, headed by Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, Dr. NiΓ±o Archie Labordo, highlighted the significant role of community radio stations in disseminating nutrition programs down to the community level.
The establishment of Nutriskwela [nutrisyon eskwela] radio stations across the country is an NNC’s response to mitigate hunger and reduce malnutrition through advocacy and promotion of good health, nutrition, and development in priority areas using radio as a channel of communication.
Dr. Labordo cited dxCN-FM 107.3 MHz Radyo Kaagapay, the first radio station in the region, which is under the Nutriskwela community radio network program of the NNC, that recently celebrated its 14 years of nutrition service to the community.
"Radyo Kaagapay, located in Sibagat, is among the other four community radio stations in the country that werebuilt in 2009. Its first airing was on January 29, 2010," said Labordo.
Labordo recalled that the program began as a component of the Accelerated Hunger-Mitigation Program in 2008 and is now a regular program of the NNC.
“Because of the unique approach to promote nutrition and
development through radio, the NNC, to date, is the only government agency
allowed by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to operate a
network of community radio stations,” he said.
Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO) Laniebelle Angchangco also
thanked the local government unit of Sibagat and personnel for manning the
radio station, along with the Community Radio Committee that regularly monitors
the operations and logistical needs of the station, as well as the people
behind the long years of advocating nutrition and health.
“The Provincial Nutrition Office of Agusan del Sur recognized the
efforts of the LGUs for utilizing our established community radio stations that
greatly contributed to the increase in the level of awareness of every family
in the barangays on proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle. We hope this will
continue to air and help in eliminating malnutrition cases in the province,”
underscored Angchangco.
Meanwhile, Radyo Kaagapay’s station manager Elizabeth Badajos, also
thanked all the listeners and supporters of the radio station and is hopeful
that the Sibagatnons will continue to engage with the stations, as this served
as an effective touchpoint to deliver nutrition programs.
“Through the years, we have seen the relevance of this community radio station, especially that it continues to foster collaboration and integration of advocacy programs of various stakeholders in the area,” said Badajos.
The other two established Nutriskwela community radio stations in Caraga are: (1) Radyo Kabakhawan in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte,represented by Station Manager Elwin Argana and Program Manager Aljon Judilla; and (2) Radyo Kinaiyahan in Malimono, Surigao del Norte,represented by Radio Technician Michael Albia. (JPG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
