BAGUIO CITY – Councilor Joel Alangsab hailed the nutrition workers as "our soldiers in the barangays" during the launching of the vertical and ramp garden at the Health Services Office last Monday. He praised the hard-working nutrition workers in the baranngays for the nutrition education, training and well-being of residents, specially of children.

Joining him is Congressman Bernardo Vergara who led in the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon of the ramp garden, which spans about 50 meters of growing and robust organic vegetables, ground fruits, medicinal herbs and ornamentals, at the side of the building.

HSO head Dr. Florence Reyes admitted that after the heart operation which left her no choice but use the ramp for convenience in going up the floors of the building, noticed the bareness of the pathway. The idea of putting plants to brighten the place then cropped up.

"The ever- benevolent nutrition workers led by Scout Barrio and Atab district contributed and pitched-in their efforts for the garden," Dr. Reyes said. The Baguio City Nutrition Council (BCNC) through the nutrition workers are very active in the barangays, and it spills over to bigger endeavors, she added.

Winding alongside two floors at the right side of the building, trellis for climbing plants were erected, as with recycled materials filled with organic fertilizer for the plants. A variety of plants were labeled as to name and use for familiarity.

The cutting of the ribbon was followed by a media kapihan, as joined by representatives from government agencies: Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, Department of Health, National Nutrition Council as represented by June Falancy, the local government as represented by Congressman Bernardo Vergara and Councilor Alangsab. Dr. Reyes and BCNC head Angelita Sabado.

The congressman earlier led the launching of the 38th nutrition month celebration, at the city hall grounds.

He praised the labors of the nutrition workers and wished them the "good fruits" which would come through a healthy populace. He vowed to support all programs of activities for the betterment of the nutrition workers, and Baguio constituents as well.

The theme for the whole-month celebration is "Pagkain ng Gulay Ugaliin, Araw-araw Itong Ihain."

Other government agencies, including the Department of Trade and Industry are expected to celebrate nutrition month through the monitoring of iodized salt disposal at the city market, disseminate information about and promote fortified foods such as veggie noodles, and extension of support to the activities of the National Nutrition Council (NNC).

Aside from government line agencies and barangays, other non-government organizations and even the senior citizens group are active participants in the celebration from July 1 to 31, and even beyond said dates.

The culminating activity shall be on August 3 at the BGHMC Cobalt Hall, -juliegfianza