PGLU BOOST NUTRITION INITIATIVES, CENTER STAGE NUTRIOUS MALUNGGAY DISHES

October 28, 2023 Provincial

SAN FERNANDO, La Union

In time with the celebration of the Food Fortification Month, the Provincial Government of La Union through the Provincial Health Office strengthens its effort to promote sustained health and proper nutrition among kaprobinsiaan through conducting the Cookfest and Nutrifair held at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, City of San Fernando, La Union. Showcasing their cooking abilities and creativity, 108 contestants composed of Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) from 18 municipalities in the province participated in the competition.

The participants unleashed their best in cooking different delectable and nutritious dishes featuring
malunggay as the main ingredient for both main dish and snacks category. The cooking competition aimed to raise awareness on planting and consumption of malunggay in support to
Provincial Ordinance 004-2007 as well as to promote the production, distribution and use of iron fortified rice in the province, particularly in the grassroots, pursuant to the La Union Iron Fortified Rice Ordinance of 2017.

For the snack category, Caba was hailed as Champion, while Luna and Naguilian earned second and third spots, respectively. For the main dish category, San Juan emerged as champion, while Tubao and Santol tailed behind as second and third placers, respectively. The champion for the main dish category received P10,000 cash prize; the 2nd placer got P8,000, and the 3rd placer won
P6,000.

For the snack category, the champion received a total of P8,000 cash prize; the 2nd placer garnered P6,000 while the 3rd placer won P4,000. Nonwinners each received consolation prizes worth P3,000. Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David expressed her profound support to the said event as she underscored the importance of achieving a good nutrition among kaprobinsiaan to attain a functioning and well-nourished body. Gov. Rafy also recognized the vital role that BNS play in improving the nutrition situation of every barangay in the province.

“Gusto nating maging aggressive on the provincial level together with our Provincial Health Office na mas bigyang pansin po talaga ‘yong nutrition natin dito sa buong province of La Union. We are
already formulating a lot of programs when it comes to nutrition, in fact we are partnering with our local MSMEs para mag-provide tayo ng school-based nutrition programs para diretso na po agad sa ating mga mag-aaral, sa mga kabataan at sa mga schools natin ang pagbibigay ng tamang nutrisyon.” the lady governor emphasized.

As Gov. Rafy prioritize the health sector, PGLU remains resolute in its commitment to promote healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition in the province while fostering the spirit of #LaUnionPROBINSYAnihan to improve the nutrition and wellbeing of every kaprobinsiaan.

John Elysar C. Martin, PIO