Date: July 25, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Venue: Loon Activity Center, Municipal Hall Compound, Cogon Norte, Loon, Bohol
PROGRAM FLOW & OPENING CEREMONIES
As early as 8:00 AM, participants and guests gathered at the venue where the Secretariat Team efficiently facilitated registration.
The ceremony officially opened with a solemn prayer led by Ms. Ferlinda Mamacos, RHM, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, the Bohol Hymn, and the Loon Hymn, which set the patriotic and communal tone of the program.
To further solidify the commitment to health and wellness, the Nutrition Month Pledge was recited by Ms. Ma. Magdalena L. Collano, RHM, serving as a collective promise to uphold proper nutrition practices.
Welcome and Introduction of Guests
In her welcome message, Hon. Marie Hazel R. Saavedra, RN, Chairperson of the SB Committee on Health, spoke directly to the parents present. She urged them to be responsible stewards of their children’s nutrition by practicing consistency and dedication to proper nourishment at home. She emphasized that mothers and caregivers play a central role in shaping the future of their families and communities through mindful nutrition.
Ms. Wowie Agbon then facilitated the acknowledgment of guests and stakeholders, highlighting the presence of barangay health workers, nutrition scholars, RHU personnel, and LGU officials—all united under one advocacy.
Rationale and Speaker Introduction
Ms. Girly Rhea P. Marimon, in her delivery of the program rationale, emphasized that the launching of the “Gasa sa Kahimsug” Project is not just symbolic but a strategic initiative to reduce malnutrition and strengthen preventive health among children.
She then gave a heartfelt introduction to the guest of honor and keynote speaker, Ms. June Francis Herrera Chiongbian, the project’s Program Chair.
About Ms. June Francis Herrera Chiongbian
Former President of the Quota Club of Cebu South
Chairperson of the Advisory Council of the PNP Maritime Regional Unit 7
Longtime Socio-Civic Advocate with 26 years of service
Current Program Chair of the Faces of Gasa sa Kahimsug Nutrition Balancing Program
Ms. Chiongbian was recognized not only for her long-standing commitment to service but also for her leadership in designing holistic, health-centered programs that empower communities. Her presence marked a moment of renewed collaboration between civil society and government stakeholders.
Keynote Message from Ms. Chiongbian
In her keynote message, Ms. Chiongbian passionately addressed the core importance of nutrition during early childhood. She stressed that:
Proper nutrition is foundational for physical, mental, and emotional development.
Parents should be actively monitoring their children’s food intake, sleeping habits, and general well-being.
Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) are vital partners and should be treated as community allies, not just program implementers.
She then called on parents to take full ownership of their children’s health and nutrition, highlighting that home-based accountability is as important as institutional efforts.
Inspirational Message from Mayor Yul Lopez
Mayor Cesar Tomas M. Lopez, M.D., provided an inspirational message, underscoring the collaborative strength between the LGU and the private sector in driving forward public health programs.
He highlighted the following:
The first 1,000 days of life are critical to a child’s long-term development.
Undernourished children are more susceptible to disease, learning delays, and long-term physical challenges.
Through the Gasa sa Kahimsug program, Loon aims to provide consistent, community-based support to combat malnutrition.
The Mayor assured everyone that the LGU is fully behind the program and looks forward to its success in improving child and maternal health outcomes.
Distribution of Milk & Vitamins
To conclude the first part of the event, Ms. Chiongbian and her team, together with Hon. Marie Hazel R. Saavedra, RN, and assisted by the Municipal Nutrition Committee, RHU staff, and Barangay Nutrition Scholars, led the distribution of milk and vitamins to pre-identified beneficiaries from Loon’s barangays.
This activity wasn’t only ceremonial—it represented the municipality’s tangible commitment to nourishment, health equity, and sustainability.
Concluding Reflections
The launch of the “Gasa sa Kahimsug” Project stands as a symbol of hope and proactive governance, rooted in the belief that every child in Loon deserves access to good health and proper nutrition.
This event also reaffirmed the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration, highlighting how the combined efforts of government agencies, civic leaders, and community members can shape a healthier, more resilient future.
Making Loon Madanihon rise and shine… from Local to Global!