The Provincial Nutrition Committee (PNC) conducted their 2nd semester meeting on October 8, 2025, in the Paniqui Conference Hall of the Patricio S. Dumlao Sr. Executive Building, Capitol Compound, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. The agenda included the presentation of the province’s three-year Nutrition Action Plan and an amendment to the Executive Order creating the PNC and defining its functions, among other matters.
The meeting was spearheaded by the Nutrition Division of the Governor’s Office, led by Nutrition Officer IV Luzviminda Ragpa. Representatives from the various agencies were in attendance to hear updates on Nutrition in the province, as well as contribute more updates and information on forthcoming projects, on the part of the committee members.
The former topic consisted of reports on the Healthy Food Procurement Ordinance, now on its way for implementation. The Nutrition Division reported that orientation and training sessions for healthy public food procurement had been funded and scheduled to be conducted in October and November. The eventual plans for implementation and hope of a trickle-down influence were reiterated during the meeting, with particular emphasis on Nueva Vizcaya being the first to implement such an ordinance at the provincial level in the country.
The Provincial Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) and the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition were also presented during the meeting for the approval of the body. Notable changes in the former include the targeting of all age groups (child to adolescent to elder), while a pledge of commitment to the latter was signed by the officials present, with the intention of gaining all signatures of other department heads. A resolution adopting the same was passed for endorsement to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).
The ensuing discussion on the legislative matters also saw the updating of Executive Order 23 which created and designated the PNC, and the reintroduction of Republic Act 11148 to the committee. The former was finalized with its amendments to the committee’s membership and technical working group, while the latter, also known as the ‘Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act’, was raised as a concern for the province’s overall Nutrition score, as relayed by the previously conducted evaluation by national Nutrition officers. The adoption of RA 11148 was subject to the endorsement by the Committee to the SP for a resolution.
The committee members representing their offices and institutions were also given time to report on their nutrition-related projects and achievements. The Department of Education gave a statistical report on nutrition among schoolchildren, with rates of obesity and growth, as well as the provision of supplemental feeding and locally-produced nutritious food products. The Provincial Integrated Health Office provided updates on the birth rate in the province and nutrient provision to children.
Nueva Vizcaya State University gave a comprehensive report on their nutrition programs and accomplishments, which included a successful Nutrition Month celebration and approved grants for new food processing facilities. The Provincial Veterinary Services Office reported on nutrition in the animal welfare front, covering bases from animal vaccination and disease control to livestock and poultry disease mitigation. Beyond their reporting, the different committee members also gave suggestions and input on future nutrition programs.
Through persistent activity and effort, the Provincial Nutrition Committee, and by extension the Nutrition Division, continues to improve health within the province. Beyond the awards recognition and high scores as assessed by the national level, nutrition within the province will continue to show in the quality of life for every Novo Vizcayano. /igmb
[This article was initially created on Facebook – Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya. For PGNV updates, visit: https://www.facebook.com/vizcayareporter]
