From engaging with communities to delving into households, every moment has shaped my understanding of nutrition's impact on public welfare. I've encountered stories of resilience, hope, and determination that have left an incredible mark on my heart. Witnessing firsthand the resilience of individuals, I'll cherish the lessons learned and the connections made, knowing that my effort have contributed to positive change, one household at a time.

As I reflect on this experience, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have played a small part in empowering individuals and communities to prioritize their well-being. I would life to thank the Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines for this once in a lifetime opportunity. I am blessed and grateful to be under your leadership and supervision for my Public Health Practicum.

A moment of appreciation to Ma'am Mel, thank you for your guidance, patience, and unwavering support. Thank you for making our CNP journey bearable and a memorable one. Thank you for the laughs and fun times. This experience won't be that amazing without you. The NutriSmofies are beyond blessed to have you as our supervisor. This is not the end and we hope to see you soon.

Community Nutrition Practicum provides a stark and illuminating view of the intricate dynamics surrounding food access, dietary behaviors, and health outcomes within communities. It has been a deeply eye-opening experience, particularly concerning the vulnerabilities faced by children and other vulnerable groups in the community. Through direct engagement with families and children during our HBI interviews in Barangay Candau-ay, I witnessed the profound impact of socioeconomic factors on their nutritional health and overall well-being. It became apparent that many children, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, face significant barriers to accessing nutritious foods and essential healthcare services. Witnessing the daily struggles of families to provide adequate nutrition for their children, coupled with the prevalence of food insecurity and nutrition-related health issues, highlighted the urgent need for targeted interventions and systemic changes. This practicum experience not only deepened my understanding of the complex interplay between social determinants and health outcomes but also reinforced my commitment to advocating for policies and programs that prioritize the needs of vulnerable children and other vulnerable groups and promote health equity for all.

I am in deep gratitude to Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines for giving us this experience of a lifetime - it was indeed life-changing. To our NFP supervisor, Miss Mel, a sincere gratitude for her guidance and support throughout our community nutrition practicum. And of course, working alongside such passionate and driven individuals has been an enriching experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to walk on this journey with my co-interns.

LAGI'T LAGI,

MVL

The experience not only gave me direct knowledge of the complexity of tackling health concerns at the grassroots level, but it also allowed me to observe the complicated interplay of multiple factors in accomplishing public health objectives.

For starters, partnering with Barangay authorities demonstrated the delicate balance between policymaking and implementation. While policies may exist on paper, their efficacy is heavily dependent on local governments' willingness and ability to carry them out. Observing meetings and conversations provided me with insight into the issues that Barangay officials confront when balancing competing agendas, allocating resources, and navigating bureaucratic impediments to guarantee successful public health service delivery.

Working with Barangay nutrition health scholars and workers provided insight into frontline efforts to hopefully eradicate malnutrition and promote healthy lifestyles in the community. Participating in community activities spearheaded alongside with my classmates, demonstrated the value of foundationalinterventions in treating the underlying causes of malnutrition. However, it also highlighted the importance of personalized approaches that take into account socioeconomic gaps, cultural attitudes, and resource availability in order to ensure the inclusion and sustainability of interventions.

This collaborative setting not only expanded my knowledge of public health topics, but it also sharpened my critical thinking abilities as we studied real-world problems and proposed new solutions, especially in dealing with traditional older age group.

Furthermore, to our pinakamagandang at pinaka-dakilang supervisor, Miss Mel, her assistance and mentorship had a significant impact on how I approached my internship. Her experience, encouragement, and constructive comments enabled me to take the initiative, broaden my skill set, and successfully manage the challenges of fieldwork. Regular check-ins, reflective sessions, road-trips break, and goal-setting activities and mind-blowing paperworks enabled ongoing learning and professional development, helping me to get the most out of the internship experience.

‘till we meet again, Miss Mel. take care!

-NAT-

Collaborating with seasoned professionals and passionate interns provided me with invaluable insights into the complexities of public health interventions. I learned that effective teamwork is the cornerstone of success in addressing health disparities and promoting well-being within communities. Each day presented new challenges, but it was the collective effort and shared determination that propelled us forward.

Moreover, my internship was a humbling experience that underscored the importance of service orientation in the field of public health nutrition. Witnessing firsthand the impact of our initiatives on the lives of individuals and families underscored the critical role that nutrition plays in overall health and well-being.

The principles instilled in me during my internship with the Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines have left an indelible mark on my professional journey. As a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian (RND)-to-be, I recognize the significance of integrating service-oriented approaches into my future practice. Advocating for accessible and equitable nutrition services will remain a central tenet of my career, driven by the conviction that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive.

In conclusion, my internship experience has not only equipped me with practical skills and knowledge but has also shaped my perspective on the role of nutrition in public health. It serves as a cornerstone for my future endeavors as an RND, reminding me of the transformative power of service and the enduring impact of compassionate care.

Lastly, Thank you Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines for partnering with Silliman University. It was an honor to be under your supervision that helped me grow and foster as a person.

Love,

CJV

Participating in the community nutrition practicum provided me with a firsthand view of how nutrition directly impacts households and individuals, particularly through the insightful Household Baseline Information (HBI) and Family Care Plan (FCP) assessments. This exposure enabled me to uncover the hidden complexities of malnutrition and confront the stark realities with courage and determination.

Initially, the challenges seemed overwhelming, and we all grappled with our own emotions. However, these experiences served as powerful motivators, fuelling our strength and resolve to redouble our efforts towards eradicating malnutrition.

Furthermore, the opportunity to collaborate closely with barangay councilors, nutrition workers, and healthcare professionals not only enhanced our practical knowledge but also enriched our overall learning experience.

Beyond this, I attribute a significant improvement in my communication skills to the engaging nutrition classes, workshops, and activities that were part of this internship.

While the journey was arduous, the rewards were immeasurable. Not only did we gain valuable experience and knowledge, but we also contributed to the holistic betterment of each household and community we engaged with.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines, especially our dedicated NFP Supervisor, Ms. Mel, whose unwavering support and guidance played a pivotal role in our growth and learning. It is through their collective efforts that we stand equipped with a deeper understanding of community nutrition as we conclude this internship.

As we reflect on this remarkable experience, I am confident that the lessons learned and the skills acquired will be instrumental in making a meaningful impact in our future endeavors in combating malnutrition. Indeed, experience has proven to be the greatest teacher throughout this enriching journey.

DAGHANG SALAMAT, NFP!

I remember being so overwhelmed during the first few days of internship as we were told about the calendar of activities and requirements for this internship and to add to this, the intense summer heat also proved to be a challenge for us as we visited the different puroks in Brgy. Candau-ay to gather data for our HBI and FCP and conducted our activities in the community. As we immersed ourselves in the community, the harsh reality of how malnutrition greatly affects not only children but also adults slapped us hard. It is hard not to notice the poor living conditions of some households and it really breaks my heart to know that this is other people’s reality. I hope that through our different activities and in our little ways, we were able to make an impact in their lives.

I am truly grateful to everyone that made this experience possible – Silliman University Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines, City Nutrition Office and Brgy. Candau-ay but most especially to the ever patient and supportive barangay nutrition scholars namely Maam Rose, Maam Lina and Maam Mansueta. To Miss Mel, our NFP Supervisor, it was a privilege to be under your care and I hope we made you proud. To my beloved co-affiliates, NutriSmofies, we are almost at the finish line, and I pray that as we go our separate ways, may we not forget all the valuable lessons that we learned throughout this whole practicum.

Adios.

Noriellita

I'm deeply thankful for the guidance and mentorship provided by Ms. Mel. We truly value your support, Ma'am! 🫶

-Yobhel 🥰

This internship has been such an eye-opening and educational experience where we apply all the theories that we have been discussed with inside the classroom for 3 years. Despite the scorching heat, going to the barangay and going house to house to conduct interviews was not much of a struggle compared to our previous practicum where I dread even just the thought of going to school or the hospital. I actually genuinely enjoyed the Public Health Experience so much. As someone who grew up sorrounded by struggles and poverty, I can definitely see why I resonate with PHN. I have always wanted to make a difference, one way or another, and this field does exactly just that.

Other than that, I never would have enjoyed this experience as much if it wasn’t for our supervisor, Ma’am Mel. Thank you so much, ma’am, for the guidance, and for giving as the room to grow but also being present in times when we need you most 💚.