National Nutrition Council Caraga Region

04/09/2026

LOOK: 𝗡𝗡𝗖 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗪𝗬𝗗 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga conducted the WYD orientation and iodized salt testing with Nutrition and Dietetics interns from Central Mindanao University (CMU) on September 4, 2026. The activity aimed to strengthen the advocacy for adequately iodized salt and enhance the capacity of future nutrition professionals in monitoring salt iodine levels.
The activity supports the implementation of Republic Act No. 8172, or the “An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN Law)”, which requires the iodization of all food-grade salt intended for human and animal consumption. Proper monitoring of iodized salt is essential in preventing iodine deficiency disorders and ensuring that communities have access to an adequate source of iodine.

During the said activity, the interns -- together with GIP Mike Brown Gulde and PDO1 Felix Anastacio -- tested several salt samples from different areas in the region using the WYD Iodine Checker Machine. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Memorandum Circular No. 2013-042, iodized salt should contain 30–70 ppm of iodine (mg KIO₃/kg of salt). The guideline further emphasizes that iodine stability can be affected by factors such as moisture content, packaging materials, and storage conditions, making proper handling and storage important in maintaining adequate iodine levels in salt (Food and Drug Administration [FDA], 2013).

Through this activity, NNC Caraga continues to strengthen regional efforts in promoting adequately iodized salt and supporting the national salt iodization program. By building the capacity of future nutrition professionals in iodine testing and monitoring, the Council contributes to sustained efforts to prevent iodine deficiency disorders and improve nutrition in the region.

References

Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2013, October 16). Guidelines For Salt Manufacturers, Importers, Wholesalers, Repackers and Distributors To Ensure Adequate Iodization Of Iodized Salt, And For Other Purposes.https://www.fda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/FDA-Memorandum-Circular-No.2013-042.pdf

Republic of the Philippines. (1995, December 20). Republic Act No. 8172: An act promoting salt iodization nationwide and for related purposes. https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/2/4016

| CMU Intern Krizzia L. Cabacoy
| PDO I Felix Anastacio

04/09/2026

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄
𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 1,000 𝐃𝐀𝐘𝐒: 𝐍𝐍𝐂 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐋𝐆𝐔-𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐏𝐔𝐒𝐇 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓 8.7 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐎 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐍
The National Nutrition Council (NNC) welcomes the constructive guidance and legislative oversight provided by the Senate during its budget hearing. Responding to discussions on child stunting rates, performance evaluation frameworks, and program ex*****on, the NNC reaffirmed its core statutory mandate while outlining clear strategic shifts to tackle malnutrition more effectively across the country’s estimated 8.7 million children under five years old.
Addressing concerns raised by lawmakers, DOH Undersecretary and NNC Executive Director IV Dr. Albert Francis E. Domingo clarified that under Presidential Decree No. 491, the Council functions primarily as a policy-formulating and coordinating body rather than a direct implementation agency. Directing massive, centralized feeding operations from a policy office often creates procurement and supply chain bottlenecks; instead, the agency maintains that implementation belongs on the ground. Consequently, major dietary supplementation funds, such as those requested under the Department of Health (DOH) Disease Prevention and Control Bureau (DPCB), are designed to be downloaded directly to Local Government Units (LGUs). This empowers local chief executives and community frontliners to take full ownership of nutrition programs within their jurisdictions.
To ensure these localized efforts yield real results, the NNC is overhauling its monitoring and evaluation systems. In response to Senate observations regarding LGU performance ratings, the Council is transitioning away from measuring basic process inputs—such as planning documents or administrative compliance—toward tracking tangible outputs and long-term health outcomes. By utilizing multi-sectoral scorecards in coordination with partner agencies like the DBM, DILG, DepEd, and DSWD, local government performance will now be directly measured by actual reductions in child stunting, wasting, and underweight rates.
Central to this operational shift is the institutionalization of an expanded "Unang Yakap" First 1,000 Days benefit package in partnership with PhilHealth and the DOH. This comprehensive continuum of care addresses malnutrition from pre-conception, utilizing food fortification strategies like adding folate to flour to prevent birth defects, all the way through antenatal care, immediate newborn vaccination, exclusive breastfeeding, and complementary feeding up to 59 months.
To drive family engagement beyond current 4Ps beneficiaries, the NNC is exploring ways to link routine health center visits with broader incentive programs, such as food assistance initiatives. These efforts will be driven on the frontlines by the nation's network of over 42,000 Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), who conduct direct household mapping to reach every malnourished child in the most remote communities.
The NNC maintains that form must follow function, and that policy must align seamlessly with local ex*****on. By sharpening its focus on outcome-based metrics, empowering LGUs, and safeguarding the first 1,000 days of life, the Council remains fully committed to ensuring that public resources directly translate into a healthier, stunting-free future for all Filipino children.
𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭:
𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐓 𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐒 𝐄. 𝐃𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐎, 𝐌𝐃, 𝐌𝐒𝐜
Undersecretary of Health and
Concurrent Executive Director IV
National Nutrition Council
c/o
𝐃𝐑. 𝐄𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐔𝐄𝐋 𝐉𝐀𝐘 𝐃. 𝐃𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐋, 𝐌𝐒𝐍, 𝐌𝐁𝐀
Nutrition Officer V and Chief, Nutrition Information and Education Division
8843-01-42 | [email protected]. ph
𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐍𝐍𝐂
The National Nutrition Council is the highest policymaking and coordinating body on nutrition mandated by Presidential Decree No. 491 in June 1974. As the executive arm of the Council, the NNC Secretariat, led by an Executive Director, ensures realignment of its operations to focus on client-based operations and prioritize addressing hunger and malnutrition.

04/09/2026

Mag-amping batok sa epekto sa haze! 😷

Ang haze usa ka hugaw nga hangin nga adunay gagmay nga aso o abog gikan sa sunog nga mahimong makairita sa atong mga mata ug baga. Kung mahimo, pabilin sa sulod sa balay. Kung kinahanglan gyud mogawas, pagsul-ob og mask.

Protektahi ang imong kaugalingon ug pamilya batok sa haze.
Kung makasinati og grabe nga kalisod sa pagginhawa o uban pang mga sintomas, pangayo dayon og medikal nga tabang ug adto sa pinakaduol nga ospital.

Mag-amping batok sa epekto sa haze! 😷

Ang haze usa ka hugaw nga hangin nga adunay gagmay nga aso o abog gikan sa sunog nga mahimong makairita sa atong mga mata ug baga. Kung mahimo, pabilin sa sulod sa balay. Kung kinahanglan gyud mogawas, pagsul-ob og mask.

Protektahi ang imong kaugalingon ug pamilya batok sa haze.

Kung makasinati og grabe nga kalisod sa pagginhawa o uban pang mga sintomas, pangayo dayon og medikal nga tabang ug adto sa pinakaduol nga ospital.

04/09/2026

🎉𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗡𝗔𝗢 𝗟𝗲𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗴-𝗗𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗱𝗼!🎂💐

Warmest birthday greetings to Ma’am Lel Nester Sumalinog-Dionaldo, Municipal Nutrition Action Officer of the Municipality of Barobo, Surigao del Sur! May this special day bring you joy, good health, and renewed inspiration as you continue your meaningful work in advancing nutrition and the well-being of your community. 💚🥳

May the year ahead be filled with blessings, fulfilling milestones, and countless reasons to celebrate. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to building a healthier and more nourished Barobo! 🌱✨

Greetings from National Nutrition Council Caraga Family! 💚

04/09/2026

𝐍𝐍𝐂 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐚 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐭

The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga turned over the Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) Travelling Allowance to the Municipality of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur on September 4, 2026, further strengthening support for community-based nutrition efforts in the municipality.

The turnover was received on behalf of the Municipality of Sibagat through Municipal Nutrition Action Officer (MNAO) Ms. Rovelyn M. Ordenario at the NNC Caraga Regional Nutrition Office.

The BNS Travelling Allowance provides support to Barangay Nutrition Scholars in carrying out their field-based duties, enabling them to reach communities and help bring nutrition programs and services closer to the families they serve.

Through this initiative, The National Nutrition Council continues to support and empower BNS as vital partners in advancing nutrition programs and promoting better nutrition outcomes at the grassroots level. 🌱

04/09/2026

𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗗 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗧 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘

In every third week of September, the Philippines observes the Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Week, which is in accordance with Proclamation No. 1136, s. 2006. This coincides with the World Alzheimer’s Day which takes place every September 21.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. It is a progressive brain disorder that gradually impairs memory, thinking, reasoning, and behavior, eventually interfering with a person’s ability to perform everyday activities (National Institute on Aging [NIA], 2025). Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Week serves as a reminder that brain health is important across all life stages.

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, watch for signs such as forgetting recent events, losing or misplacing things, difficulty naming familiar people or objects, losing track of time, trouble understanding, repeating words, getting lost in familiar places, and difficulties performing familiar tasks (World Health Organization [WHO], 2026). Recognizing these changes can help promote early awareness and attention.

While aging is the primary risk factor for dementia, other risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, family history of dementia, and head injury. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a well-balanced diet, can support overall and cognitive well-being.

A balanced diet should include a variety of foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean protein foods. It is also recommended to limit foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol, reduce refined sugars, and limit high-sodium foods and salt (Alzheimer's Association, 2026).

Proper nutrition is important for maintaining strength, overall health, and cognitive health. For people with Alzheimer’s disease, poor nutrition may contribute to weight loss and increased behavioral symptoms.

By prioritizing healthy habits today, we can build a stronger, brain-healthy future for ourselves and our loved ones.




🖊️ | CMU Intern Joanna Luz Marie A. Sabuga-a & Nutrition Officer II Mae C. Ramoco, RND
🎨 | CMU Intern Kirk Patrick S. Saan & Nutrition Officer II Mae C. Ramoco, RND

REFERENCES:

Alzheimer's Association. (2026). Food and eating. https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/food-eating
National Institute on Aging. (2025). What is Alzheimer's disease? U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/what-alzheimers-disease
World Health Organization. (2026). Dementia. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia

04/09/2026

𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀: 𝗡𝗡𝗖 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝘂𝗸𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗮 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 🎗️🧡

Hope starts with awareness, and awareness starts with understanding.

Every September, World Leukemia Awareness Month reminds us of the importance of understanding leukemia, a cancer that begins in the blood-forming tissues, particularly the bone marrow, and affects the body's ability to produce healthy blood cells. While leukemia is influenced by several factors, including genetics and environmental exposures, raising awareness remains essential in promoting early recognition, timely diagnosis, and access to appropriate care.

Although not all cases of leukemia can be prevented, adopting a nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle remains an important way to reduce the risk of many cancers and support overall health. Following Pinggang Pinoy by choosing a balanced plate of fruits and vegetables, protein-rich foods, and energy-giving foods, together with regular physical activity, helps strengthen overall well-being.

For individuals living with leukemia, good nutrition is equally important. Adequate intake of energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fluids helps maintain strength, supports recovery, reduces the risk of malnutrition, and improves the body's ability to cope with treatment.

This World Leukemia Awareness Month, let us make every meal an opportunity to nourish our bodies, embrace healthier lifestyles, and encourage regular health check-ups. By making informed choices today and spreading awareness, we take meaningful steps toward a healthier future for ourselves and our communities.

🖋️ CMU Intern Krizzia L. Cabacoy & PDO I Jemarey I. Asube
🎨 CMU Intern Symon P. Bacala & PDO I Jemarey I. Asube

03/09/2026

Public Advisory On Haze affecting Butuan City

The Department of Health Center for Health Development–Caraga advises the public to take appropriate precautionary measures amid the observed haze affecting parts of the Caraga Region, particularly Butuan City.

According to the latest Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Region XIII situational report, the observed haze is associated with ongoing forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Prevailing meteorological conditions, particularly the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), may facilitate the transport of smoke and fine particulate matter toward the Philippines.

As of 4:00 PM on September 3, 2026, PM₂.₅ concentrations recorded at the Butuan City ENRO Station and Caraga State University (CSU) Main Campus Station were 51 µg/Ncm and 54 µg/Ncm, respectively, both classified as VERY UNHEALTHY. Meanwhile, PM₁₀ concentrations at both monitoring stations remained within the FAIR category.

In view of the current air quality condition, DOH Caraga reminds the public, particularly individuals sensitive to particulate pollution, children, older persons, and those with existing health conditions, to take precautions while the haze persists. The public is advised to limit prolonged outdoor exposure, stay hydrated, and take appropriate protective measures when outdoors. Those experiencing difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, eye irritation, or other concerning symptoms should seek medical attention. The public is also urged to follow official health and air quality advisories and avoid sharing unverified information.

The DENR-EMB Region XIII continues to conduct 24-hour monitoring and assessment of the air quality situation and will issue succeeding updates as additional validated monitoring data become available. The next update is scheduled for 8:00 AM on September 4, 2026.

Stay informed. Stay alert. Protect your health and safety.

03/09/2026

🥄💸 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗽, 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻!
𝙉𝙉𝘾 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙨 𝘼𝙪𝙜𝙪𝙨𝙩’𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠

August’s final Wellness Break at NNC Caraga was anything but ordinary! 𝐋𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐌𝐔 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥 𝐑. 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐢𝐫𝐤 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐒. 𝐒𝐚𝐚𝐧, the activity brought employees together for an hour of movement, laughter, and friendly competition.

The activity kicked off with an energetic 𝙕𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙖 𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙧𝙤 𝙢𝙚𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙣𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙨. But the familiar tunes came with unexpected surprises as participants were met with spontaneous dance moves, changing positions, and even group choreographies that caught everyone off guard. 💃🕺✨

Then came the main challenge: “𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆!” 💸

The rules seemed simple enough: use a spatula to scoop or lift as much money as possible into a small basket. But there was a nutritious twist—the bills carried different monetary values based on the 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝, with lower-value bills representing foods with lower nutritional value and the highest-value bill representing the 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐭.

And that wasn't all.

With only 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽, every scoop mattered. Once a bill was collected, it was 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 for the next player. To make things even more challenging, participants had to navigate the game 𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗱, relying on their teammates' guidance to locate the remaining money. 🙈🥄💰

The room soon erupted in suspense, shouts, laughter, and plenty of frantic instructions as teammates guided their blindfolded players—with some perhaps doing their best to throw the opposing team off their game. 😂

When the final tally was counted, 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝟭 had accumulated an impressive ₱𝟳,𝟭𝟵𝟱. But 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝟮 swept the competition with a staggering ₱𝟯𝟮,𝟳𝟱𝟮, taking the win by a wide margin! 🏆💸

From nostalgic beats to blindfolded money-scooping, August's final Wellness Break brought together 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐮𝐧—proving that taking a break can be just as energizing as getting back to work. ✨