July 22-24, 2014—The Regional Nutrition Action Officers Association-CAR (NAOA-CAR), District/ City Nutrition Program Coordinators-CAR (D/CNPC-CAR) and Cordillera Barangay Nutrition Scholars Federation, Incorporated (CordiBNSFed.,Inc.) with support from NNC-CAR had their joint meeting in the Province of Ifugao. Aside from the regular semestral meeting, one of their agenda is a visit to the province of Ifugao, known for their commendable performance in nutrition implementation.

The governor of Ifugao, Hon. Denis B. Habawel warmly welcomed the delegates. In his message the Governor mentioned that although Ifugao is one among the top poorest provinces in the country, Ifugao has a very low malnutrition rate. He said, “We may be cash-poor, but we are naturally food-rich that is why we only have few malnourished children.”

The group visited the Ifugao Provincial Nutrition Office and Dr. Mary Jo Dulawan, Provincial Health Officer and Provincial Nutrition Action Officer assisted members of the TWG discussed their local strategies to eradicate malnutrition particularly their activities on resource generation, partnership with NGOs, strong convergence among PNC members, support to the BNS Program and the intensive monitoring and evaluation system that include several recognitions to their constituents.

Moreover, the group visited the Municipality of Asipulo and its barangay Antipolo. The Municipal and Barangay Nutrition Committees led by the Mayor and Barangay Captain shared their nutrition strategies and approaches in addressing malnutrition.

Asipulo Mayor, Hon. Domilod and Antipolo Barangay Captain, Hon. Dinongan inspired the delegates with their strong political commitment to local social programs. They showed how improvement of the nutritional status of children could be achieved through strong convergence of efforts among concerned sectors. Ms Cora Dawong, the DNPC of Ifugao, shared some of her experiences as provincial coordinator how she was able mobilize strong support from the local executives and institutionalize commitment for nutrition up to the barangay level.

The activity was greatly appreciated by the delegates with the learnings, insights and experiences they have gained particularly the locally initiated strategies. The scenic beauty of the mountains and rice terraces and a toast of baya (rice wine) added up as bonuses for the delegates.