PCOO chief backs church’s initiatives to address malnutrition

Andanar issued this statement after he paid a courtesy call on Cagayan de Oro City Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, where they discussed possible programs to address malnutrition among children and mothers, especially in conflict-affected areas. (File Photo: Martin Andanar/Facebook)

MANILA — The government can learn a thing or two from the feeding program being implemented by the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro (CDO), Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said over the weekend.

Andanar issued this statement after he paid a courtesy call on Cagayan de Oro City Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, where they discussed possible programs to address malnutrition among children and mothers, especially in conflict-affected areas.

Andanar said the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) is set to meet with the city’s Archdiocese on Dec. 13 during their quarterly meeting.

The PCOO chief is also Northern Mindanao’s Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS 10).

Citing poverty as one of the root causes of insurgency in the region, Andanar also bared plans to partner with non-government organizations and the private sector in carrying out anti-insurgency measures.

“This time around, kasama na yung mga members ng non-profit organizations or non-government organizations na member ng RTF para nga mas maganda yung ating approach sa pag-solve ng problema ng kahirapan dito sa Region 10 (with members of non-profit organizations or non-government organizations who are members of the RTF, we will have a better approach in solving the problem of poverty here in Region 10),” Andanar said.

“By having a united front to solve poverty, mas malaki po yung tsansa na magkaroon po talaga tayo ng isang lipunan na wala pong insurgency, na wala pong rebelde (we have a bigger chance of having a community that is free from insurgency, free from rebels),” he added.

Andanar has repeatedly emphasized the importance of Executive Order 70 or the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict which requires a whole-of-nation approach in solving insurgency.

The whole-of-nation approach prioritizes and harmonizes the delivery of basic services and the government’s social development packages, facilitates societal inclusivity, and ensures active participation of all sectors of the society in the pursuit of the country’s peace agenda.

Meanwhile, Andanar also thanked the Ateneo de Cagayan Alumni Association for the recognition accorded to him as Outstanding Alumnus Award for Professional Service in Communication.

Andanar finished his grade school and high school education at Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan.

“Just like the slogan of the Xavier University — being men for others — that reminded me and other awardees that what we are doing today, is not just for ourselves but also for the greater glory of God,” Andanar said.

The institution’s Outstanding Alumni Awarding Ceremony is an annual event which recognizes individuals who have contributed to the advancement of the community and the society and have served as role models for others.

The PCOO chief received the award on the sidelines of his official engagements with the local media and key movers in the city.