Health and Nutrition - MBHTE SDO Maguindanao del Norte, Tenorio Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte (2025)

19/10/2025

🧼✨ 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: 𝐁𝐞 𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨! ✨🧼

On October 15, the Schools Division of Maguindanao del Norte, under the dynamic leadership of Schools Division Superintendent Hajda Norie M. Mamalinta, proudly celebrated Global Handwashing Day 2025 with the theme *“Be a Handwashing Hero”* at Maguindanaon Elementary School, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte.

Spearheaded by the Health and Nutrition Unit through Division WASH in Schools Focal Maricar B. Wahab, RN, the event highlighted the importance of proper hand hygiene in promoting child health, reducing disease transmission, and building resilient school communities.

🤝 The celebration was made more meaningful through the active participation of:
- Provincial Government of Maguindanao del Norte
- Philippine Red Cross Cotabato-Maguindanao Chapter

🎉 Highlights of the program included:
- Ceremonial handwashing and advocacy pledge of commitment
- Distribution of hygiene kits sponsored by the Provincial Government of Maguindanao del Norte to learners of Maguindanaon ES
- Informative lectures on hand hygiene and disease prevention by Philippine Red Cross Cotabato-Maguindanao Chapter
- Awarding of Division-Level Contests:
- 📝 *Poem Writing with Video Contest*
- 🥇 1st Place: Baguiangen ES
- 🥈 2nd Place: Simuay Junction CES
- 🥉 3rd Place: Tenorio ES
- 🎨 *Comic Strip Contest*
- 🥇 1st Place: Sabaken NHS
- 🥈 2nd Place: B. Gallego Edcor NHS
- 🥉 3rd Place: ARMM Regional Science HS

💬 *“Clean hands save lives. When we teach children the habit of handwashing, we invest in a healthier future.”*

👏 We thank all stakeholders, school heads, nurses, health coordinators, and our partner agencies who made this celebration a success. Together, we raise a generation of handwashing champions!

📸Photo credits from DTOM, Provincial Goverment of Maguindanao del Norte

08/10/2025

📣 LOOK: 𝐓𝐖𝐎-𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐆𝐒𝐅 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

To strengthen the implementation of the Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) Program, a two-day Coordination Meeting was successfully conducted on October 6–7, 2025, bringing together key stakeholders from various sectors.

📍 Day 1 – October 6, 2025
Held at Diyaparen Hall, Municipal Building of Matanog, the meeting was convened by the Local Government Unit of Matanog, in partnership with:
- MBHTE HNU led by Noraida Pabillan, RN, Regional SBFP Focal
- WFP Team led by Irene Marie Malabanan, HGSF Programme Policy Officer
- MBHTE SDO Maguindanao del Norte HNU led by Datu Shakkur Nikko S. Abdul, RN, Nurse In-charge
- Representatives from MAFAR, School Feeding Coordinators and School Nurses from HGSF target schools in Matanog, along with their respective Farmer Cooperatives

📍 Day 2 – October 7, 2025
Held at the WFP Conference Hall, Cotabato City, the meeting was led by the WFP Team under Irene Marie Malabanan, HGSF Programme Policy Officer, with the presence of:
- MBHTE HNU led by Noraida Pabillan, RN, Regional SBFP Focal
- MBHTE SDO Maguindanao del Norte Finance Officer: Gumera O. Balabaran
- MBHTE SDO Maguindanao del Norte HNU led by Datu Shakkur Nikko S. Abdul, RN, Nurse In-charge
- School Heads and School Feeding Coordinators from HGSF target schools in Upi, Sultan Mastura, and Datu Blah Sinsuat, along with their respective Farmer Cooperatives

Across both days, the meetings aimed to address operational concerns, enhance coordination among stakeholders, and ensure the continuity, efficiency, and sustainability of the HGSF program. Emphasis was placed on strengthening local partnerships, improving supply chain mechanisms, and promoting nutrition and agricultural development in the region.

MBHTE-Division of Maguindanao II

30/09/2025

𝐖𝐅𝐏 𝐒𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐊𝐄𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐆𝐒𝐅 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

The Health and Nutrition Unit Team of SDO Maguindanao del Norte, led by Datu Shakkur Nikko S. Abdul, RN, joined the Simplified Recordkeeping Training for farmer cooperatives under the Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) Program, conducted by the World Food Programme (WFP) on September 30, 2025, at the GAD Building, Sultan Mastura Municipal Hall, Maguindanao del Norte.

📄 The training aimed to equip cooperative leaders with simplified and accurate documentation skills—essential for transparent viand payment, efficient food delivery, and strengthened accountability in HGSF implementation.

👥 Chairpersons and board members of farmer cooperatives from Sultan Mastura, Matanog, Datu Blah Sinsuat, and Upi were present—affirming their commitment to quality service and learner nutrition.

🤝 The activity was further enriched by the presence and technical guidance of partner agencies: MAFAR-AMAD, CSEA, and SDO Maguindanao del Norte, working in synergy with WFP to strengthen cooperative systems and ensure program integrity.

This collaboration reflects a unified goal: to build reliable systems that nourish Bangsamoro learners and uphold the integrity of the Home-Grown School Feeding Program. Together, we invest in health, education, and the future of our communities.

MBHTE-Division of Maguindanao II

29/09/2025

𝐌𝐁𝐇𝐓𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐍𝐔𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 (𝐏𝐈𝐑) | 𝗦𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰–𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

The Regional Health and Nutrition Unit of MBHTE, headed by Chief Gizeel Amira I. Ali, RN, successfully held the Program Implementation Review last September 23–27, 2025 at Grand Regal Hotel, Davao City.

The 5-day activity gathered Health Personnel—including Medical Doctors, Dentists, Nurses In-Charge, and Program Focals—from all 11 Schools Division Offices of MBHTE-BARMM. It served as a venue for sharing updates, aligning strategies, and celebrating the collective efforts of every division in advancing school health and nutrition across the region.

Among the key presentations, special attention was given to the Oplan Kalusugan sa Bangsamoro Flagship Programs Updates and Accomplishment Report, delivered by regional and selected division program focals. This segment highlighted division-level best practices across six core health components: School-Based Feeding Program, Medical, Dental, and Nursing Services Program, School Mental Health Program, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Schools (WinS) Program, Adolescent Reproductive Health Program, and the National Drug Education Program (NDEP). It provided a clear picture of how each division adapts and innovates within limited budgets—often by tapping partner agencies such as LGUs, NGOs, and local health institutions. The presentation affirmed the program’s relevance and offered practical models for scaling effective, community-rooted health interventions across the Bangsamoro region.

This PIR also marked a meaningful moment for the Division of Sulu, as they prepare to exit the BARMM framework. Their final participation was met with respect and gratitude for their years of dedicated service to Bangsamoro learners.

The Health and Nutrition Unit Team of Maguindanao del Norte, led by Datu Shakkur Nikko S. Abdul, RN, actively took part in the sessions—reaffirming its commitment to responsive, learner-centered service and continuous improvement.

Health and Nutrition is more than a program—it’s a shared responsibility. It’s the quiet work behind every safe classroom, every nourished child, and every empowered community. As we move forward, we carry this mission with pride, knowing that the wellness of our learners is the foundation of a stronger Bangsamoro.

MBHTE-Division of Maguindanao II

26/09/2025

𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐂 𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐒𝐘𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 (𝐌𝐇𝐏𝐒𝐒) 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐒

In line with the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education’s thrust to strengthen the School Mental Health Program under Oplan Kalusugan sa Bangsamoro (OKB), the Health and Nutrition Unit of SDO Maguindanao del Norte actively participated in the Basic Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Training for School Professionals held last September 22–26, 2023 at Em Manor Hotel, Cotabato City.

The activity was organized and conducted by the Mental Health Unit of MOH-BARMM, led by MHU Head Dr. Norman Prince Datumanong, in partnership with Dr. Amenoding Limpao of LIFT, Inc. It gathered school nurses, guidance counselors, and selected secondary school teachers from across the selected School Division Offices. The training introduced simple, practical ways to help teachers and learners manage stress, cope with difficult emotions, and support others who may be going through challenges—ensuring that mental health support becomes a daily practice, not just a campaign.

This initiative reflects the shared commitment of both the Ministry and Division Offices to embed mental wellness into the core of school culture—where care, responsiveness, and emotional strength are part of everyday learning.

As we move forward, every school professional becomes a frontliner—not just in education, but in care.
Because in the Bangsamoro region, mental health is not a side note—it’s a shared responsibility.

MBHTE-Division of Maguindanao II

23/09/2025

𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐍 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 (𝐒𝐁𝐈)

In strong partnership with IPHO Maguindanao, the Health and Nutrition Unit of SDO Maguindanao del Norte was invited and represented by school nurses from Datu Odin Sinsuat North Municipality, led by District Nurse Cherrie Rose S. Abdula, RN. They joined the School-Based Immunization (SBI) Orientation and Microplanning Session held at Datu Kutob Auditorium, Maguindanao Provincial Hospital, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, last September 22, 2023.

The activity, organized by IPHO Maguindanao, aimed to prepare both RHU Immunization Teams and school health personnel for the upcoming October 2025 rollout of MR-Td and HPV immunization under the School-Based Immunization (SBI) program. These vaccines are essential in protecting learners from measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and HPV-related diseases. Through this initiative, school heads, nurses, and designated clinic teachers are expected to assist and coordinate with their municipal RHU teams to ensure smooth and responsive implementation across all target grade levels. With this joint effort, all schools under SDO-Maguindanao del Norte are expected to fully support this vital health initiative led by IPHO Maguindanao.

Microplanning workshops per RHU covered logistics, vaccination session plans, partner coordination, and budgeting—ensuring precision, accountability, and unified action across the province.

For every Bangsamoro learner, this isn’t just a campaign—it’s a commitment.
A commitment to safe schools, strong partnerships, and a future where wellness is part of everyday life.

MBHTE-Division of Maguindanao II

19/09/2025

🩺🤝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐨 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 | 𝐒𝐃𝐎-𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐃𝐒 𝐇𝐚𝐝𝐣𝐚 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞 𝐌. 𝐌𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚 🤝🩺

On September 19, 2025, the Health and Nutrition Unit of SDO-Maguindanao del Norte, led by Division Nurse In-Charge: Datu Shakkur Nikko S. Abdul, RN, successfully held a General Meeting of all school nurses at the Division Conference Hall, Tenorio Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat.

The activity was highlighted by a courtesy meeting with newly appointed Schools Division Superintendent of SDO Maguindanao del Norte: Hadja Norie M. Mamalinta, marking a meaningful step toward stronger collaboration and shared goals for the health and well-being of Bangsamoro learners.

📌 Agenda Highlights:
• Updates on Oplan Kalusugan sa Bangsamoro (OKB) Health Programs and Presentation of School Health Reports by Program Focals
• Planning of Nurses Week 2025 by SDO-MDN Nurses Association Officers
• Open discussion on current challenges and future initiatives

This gathering fostered unity, optimism, and renewed commitment to holistic learner development. Together, we move forward—stronger, healthier, and more connected. 💚

MBHTE-Division of Maguindanao II

18/09/2025

🧠💛 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 | 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

On September 17, 2025, selected learners of Camp Siongco National High School, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte took part in a powerful advocacy session on su***de prevention—an urgent public health priority recognized globally by the World Health Organization.

This initiative aimed to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and empower young individuals to seek help and support—especially in vulnerable communities where mental health conversations are often silenced. By creating safe spaces for dialogue, the activity sought to build resilience, promote early intervention, and strengthen the support systems within schools.

This meaningful activity was made possible through the unwavering commitment of our partners from IPHO Maguindanao and the Ministry of Health-BARMM, under the Mental Health Unit’s Telepsychiatric Program. Their initiative to reach our youth with life-saving conversations deserves the highest praise.

The Health and Nutrition Unit Team of the Schools Division of Maguindanao del Norte proudly stood in solidarity with our partners—ensuring that every learner feels seen, heard, and supported.

Let this month remind us: Su***de prevention is not just a campaign—it’s a commitment to empathy, action, and hope. 💬🕊️

***dePreventionMonth

MBHTE-Division of Maguindanao II

17/09/2025

🪴 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐆𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 (𝐆𝐏𝐏) 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

The Health and Nutrition Unit of the Schools Division of Maguindanao del Norte, led by Division Nurse In-Charge Datu Shakkur Nikko S. Abdul, RN, together with his team, was invited to serve as judge for the Best Implementer of the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP) at Broce Central Elementary School, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, held last September 16, 2025.

This activity was conducted under the leadership of Broce Central Elementary School Head, Mr. Edris Kasan, whose legacy continues to inspire meaningful initiatives that promote health, sustainability, and learner empowerment within the school. Under his guidance, the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP) has flourished as a strategic model for school-based food security, nutrition education, and hands-on agricultural learning—anchored in community involvement and learner engagement.

By showcasing productive garden sections from Kindergarten to Grade 6, the school demonstrated how age-appropriate integration of agriculture and nutrition can foster responsibility, creativity, and community ownership among learners. Each entry reflected the learners’ hands-on involvement—from soil preparation to harvest—guided by their class advisers and strengthened by the active support of parents and guardians. Their collective effort to beautify and maintain the gardens was evident in the diverse array of healthy vegetables grown across sections, including leafy greens, fruit-bearing crops, root vegetables, and medicinal plants—each contributing to a vibrant, functional, and learner-friendly garden space.

Broce Central Elementary School’s commitment to GPP sets a strong example for all schools in the Division. The Health and Nutrition Unit commends the school’s leadership, advisers, parents, and learners for their unified effort. This initiative affirms that when nutrition advocacy is rooted in daily practice, it becomes a culture of care—one garden, one learner, one harvest at a time.

Courtesy to Schools Division Superintendent Hajda Norie M. Mamalinta, whose commitment to health and nutrition programs continues to shape a legacy of care across Maguindanao del Norte.

MBHTE-Division of Maguindanao II

07/09/2025

𝐈𝐂𝐘𝐌𝐈: Monitoring of Home Grown School Feeding Program (HGSF) Implementation at Blala Elementary School

On September 5, 2025, the World Food Programme (WFP) with the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE), conducted a high-level monitoring activity for the Home Grown School Feeding (HGSF) Program at Blala Elementary School, Upi, Maguindanao del Norte.

The visit was spearheaded by the WFP Cotabato Team, led by Ms. Lyca Sarinas, and joined by MBHTE Director for Indigenous Peoples Education, Dr. Judith D. Caubalejo,Ph.D., together with Regional SBFP Focal Noraida Pabillan, RN, and the Health and Nutrition Unit of SDO-Maguindanao del Norte, represented by Nurse In-Charge Datu Shakkur Nikko S. Abdul, RN, with his team.

Gracing the activity were Japan Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Endo Kazuya and WFP Philippines Country Director Mr. Regis Chapman, who personally witnessed the program’s implementation. In a powerful gesture of solidarity, Ambassador Endo and Director Chapman joined parents and volunteers in preparing and serving hot meals to learners—underscoring the shared commitment to child nutrition, inclusive education, and community empowerment.

The HGSF program continues to be a cornerstone of MBHTE’s school health initiatives, promoting improved learner attendance, nutritional well-being, and local agricultural engagement. The presence of international dignitaries affirms the global recognition of Bangsamoro’s efforts in delivering sustainable, community-driven feeding programs.

This milestone reflects the unwavering dedication of MBHTE and WFP in ensuring that every child is nourished, every meal is meaningful, and every partnership is a step toward a healthier Bangsamoro.

📍

25/10/2024

𝐒𝐃𝐎-𝐌𝐃𝐍 𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐍 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐌 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐘 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋𝐒

The Schools Division of Maguindanao del Norte, through its Health and Nutrition Unit, in partnership with the Office of the Provincial Government of Maguindanao del Norte, successfully conducted the Orientation on BARMM WASH in Schools Policy for Madaris and Private Elementary and Secondary Schools on October 24, 2024, at Alnor Convention Hall, Cotabato City.

This event was held in compliance with MBHTE Memorandum No. 192 s. 2020, dated February 5, 2020, which outlines the “Policy on WASH in School Standards and Implementing Guidelines in BARMM.” The policy aims to foster proper hygiene and sanitation practices by providing hygiene and sanitation education and setting standards for safe water and adequate sanitation facilities. It also mandates active support from the Basic Education and Madaris sectors.

The orientation aimed to:
* Enhance knowledge and understanding of the importance of WASH in schools, its impact on student health, learning, and overall well-being.
* Develop skills and capacities to plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate effective WASH programs within their schools.

Participants in this orientation included School Heads of both SMC Madaris and Private Elementary and Secondary Schools, along with one teacher from each of these schools. The event was funded by the Provincial Office of Maguindanao del Norte and facilitated by the SDO-MDN HNU and ICT team.

Part of the program was the awarding ceremony for the winners of the division-level Global Handwashing Day Celebration Contest, with the presence of the School Head, Coach, and Student:

Handmade Painting Poster Elementary Level:
1st Place: Dinganen CES
2nd Place: Tenorio ES
3rd Place: Nuro CES

Spoken Poetry Secondary Level:
1st Place: Sabaken NHS
2nd Place: Sultan Mastura NHS
3rd Place: Nuling NHS

MBHTE-Division of Maguindanao II

15/10/2024

𝐆𝐋𝐎𝐁𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐖𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 - 𝐒𝐃𝐎 𝐌𝐃𝐍 𝐊𝐈𝐂𝐊-𝐎𝐅𝐅 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

𝓣𝓱𝓮𝓶𝓮: “𝓦𝓱𝔂 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓬𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓷 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓼 𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓲𝓶𝓹𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓪𝓷𝓽?”

The Schools Division Office of Maguindanao del Norte, through its Health and Nutrition Unit in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross Cotabato City Maguindanao Chapter and the Provincial Nutrition Office of Maguindanao del Norte, successfully conducted the Division Kick-Off Celebration of the 2024 Global Handwashing Day with the global theme “Why are clean hands still important?” held on October 15, 2024, at Don Antonio Martinez Sr. Elementary School, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

Global Handwashing Day is celebrated on October 15th to emphasize the importance of hand hygiene in public health. The 2024 theme, “Why are clean hands still important?”, highlights handwashing’s role in preventing diseases and saving lives. This day aims to raise awareness about handwashing with soap as an effective, affordable way to prevent illnesses and promote best practices in hand hygiene. By fostering a culture of hand hygiene, we can create safer environments, especially in schools and communities. Despite health advancements, handwashing remains a crucial tool in fighting disease.

Don Antonio Martinez Sr. Elementary School, headed by the School Head Ofelia F. Nasilu-an, LPT, MAEd, was selected as the host school for this year’s GHD 2024 Division Kick-Off celebration. Dignitaries in attendance included MBHTE HNU Regional Dentist/WINS Focal Dr. Ferdaus A. Gampong-Manalao, PNAO NutriWASH Focal Melzheen R. Pecision, RMT (represented by her staff), and Administrator/WASH Focal of PRCCCMC Rosemelyn Gayong, RMT with her PRC team.

Relative to the program, ceremonial activities were conducted such as the distribution of hygiene kits sponsored by the Provincial Nutrition Office of Maguindanao del Norte, initiated by PNAO/NutriWASH Focal Melzheen R. Pecision, RMT, and the Philippine Red Cross Cotabato City Maguindanao Chapter led by Rosamalyn Gayong, RMT, followed by the ceremonial handwashing of all partners, learners, and stakeholders.

This success would not have been possible without the support and help of the following partners from the Philippine Red Cross Cotabato City Maguindanao Chapter and the Provincial Nutrition Office of Maguindanao del Norte, MBHTE WASH Focal Dr. Ferdaus A. Gampong, SDO-MDN spearheaded by the Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Alma M. Abdula-Nor (represented by Bai Moihra S. Baraguir as the Division Planning Officer-II), Acub S. Duloan as the Division Physical Facilities Coordinator, Sittie Farizah A. Benito-Wahab as Division DRRM Focal, and the Health and Nutrition Unit Team of SDO-MDN headed by the Nurse In-charge Datu Shakkur Nikko S. Abdul, RN, WASH Focal Maricar B. Wahab, RN, ARH Focal Pinky Z. Abutazil, RN, and MDNS Focal Bai Priscilla S. Balang, RN. Our heartfelt gratitude to the School Head of Don Antonio Martinez Sr. Elementary School, the teaching force, and the School Nurses.

MBHTE-Division of Maguindanao II
Philippine Red Cross Cotabato City - Maguindanao Chapter
Provincial Nutrition Office - Maguindanao del Norte

Health and Nutrition - MBHTE SDO Maguindanao del Norte

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