Caraga stakeholders strengthen government nutrition programs, advocacy in Agusan Sur
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur -- Consistent with the goal of improving the nutritional status of the Caraganons, particularly in Agusan del Sur, various stakeholders across the region led by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga united and took an active role in the advocacy campaign against hunger and malnutrition.
This initiative coincides with the launching of the 2025 National Nutrition Month celebration on July 1.
The event highlighted the collaborative efforts of government agencies, local government units, and partner organizations in promoting food security, proper nutrition, and community well-being.
As the host of this year’s National Nutrition Month celebration, Governor Santiago Cane Jr. assured the people of Agusan del Sur that the provincial government remains committed to supporting local farmers and enhancing food productivity across the province.
“This is the reason why we established a state-of-the-art soils laboratory in the province,” he said, highlighting the administration’s efforts to provide farmers with the necessary tools, guidance, and resources to improve agricultural output and sustainability.
"The establishment of our soils laboratory is a crucial step toward empowering our local farmers with science-based solutions to improve crop production and soil management. By helping them grow more nutritious and abundant food, we are not only uplifting their livelihoods but also directly contributing to better nutrition especially for infants and children who need it the most. This is part of our broader vision for a healthier, food-secure Agusan del Sur,” added Cane.
NNC Caraga’s Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator (RNPC) Nin̈o Archie Labordo also called on all sectors to live out the advocacy by embracing healthy lifestyles and practices in their daily lives. He emphasized that promoting good nutrition begins with individual commitment and collective action toward healthier choices.
"We will continue to strengthen our efforts and initiatives to help achieve the country’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reduce all forms of malnutrition by 2028," he said.
"Let’s be more health-conscious by choosing healthier diets and making nutritious food a part of our daily routine," he added.
Meanwhile, a Nutri-Caravan was also conducted across the various municipalities and the city within the province, bringing nutrition-related services, information, and interventions closer to communities. Said activity aimed to raise awareness and promote healthy practices at the grassroots level, particularly among families with young children.
Record will show that the province has notable improvements in the nutritional status of children, particularly in reducing cases of underweight and stunting, and will continue its drive towards implementing a range of nutrition-focused programs and interventions, including the distribution of nutritional commodities and the strengthening of the Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) program at the community level.
This year's celebration is anchored on the theme, "Sa PPAN tagumpay, nutrition ang kaagapay!" and sub-theme, "Food at Nutrition Security, Maging Priority." (Jennifer P. Gaitano, PAMRE-PPIO Agusan del Sur/PIA Agusan del Sur)
