Community radio for health launched

CEBU, Philippines -  The National Nutrition Council-7 recently launched the Nutriskwela Community Radio Network Program aimed at empowering the community through the dissemination of correct and up-to-date nutrition and health information, as well as educational and developmental information from all sectors.

The Nutriskwela Community Radio 97.5 Radyo Kahimsog in Cebu Technological University-Barili Campus is one of the 10 new stations that will be opened in the country this year.

 Radyo Kahimsog is set up in partnership with the Cebu Technological University that will also serve as an extension program of the University. 

The community radio was inaugurated last March 12 with Assistant Secretary of Health and Executive Director of the National Nutrition Council Maria-Bernardita Flores.

She was also joined by CTU President Bonifacio Villanueva, Barili Mayor Teresito Mariñas and Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Parolita Mission.

The criteria for selection of Nutriskwela sites are as follows: high prevalence of malnutrition, inclusion in the 609 priority convergence area, willingness of LGU to implement the program and no or low reach of commercial radio.

Based on the 2011 Operation Timbang results of the DOH-CHD 7, Barili has a 9.03 percent prevalence of malnutrition, higher than the regional prevalence of 5.92 percent. 

The willingness of CTU administration under the leadership of its president, Dr. Bonifacio Villanueva and the support of Mayor Mariñas as well as its geographical location are all contributing factors in choosing the Barili as the site for this community radio network program.

The operation of the station will be managed by a community radio council composed of representatives from the different sectors in the community such as women, religious, youth, elderly, fisherfolks and farmers and the school and local government unit. 

Nutriskwela Community Radio 97.5 Radyo Kahimsog is the 2nd to be set-up in Region VII with Radyo Kaigsoonan in Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental as the first in 2010.  — (FREEMAN)