The Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) monitored and evaluated the nutrition programs of Apayao province on August 14 to 16, 2012. The monitoring team was composed of a representative from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the person of Mrs. Jocelyn Rojo and the National Nutrition Council (NNC) staff of CAR.

The objective of the monitoring and evaluation was to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the nutrition program implementation of the province for the CY 2011. Updates on nutrition programs were likewise presented to the Municipal Nutrition Action Officers (MNAO) and to the Municipal Nutrition Committee members during the monitoring. Mr. Journey Diza, Nutrition Officer IV, and Ms. Henscelle Amid, Nurse II and Provincial Nutrition Focal Person, of the province assisted the monitoring team. The municipalities evaluated were Pudtol, Luna, Flora and Sta Marcela.

Municipal Nutrition Action Officers of the different municipalities presented their accomplishments and their Municipal Nutrition Action Plan (MNAP) for 2012. It was noted that the different nutrition programs in the province were actively implemented by the municipalities visited. However, other vital aspects that should be further improved are: strengthening of the nutrition committees from the province to the barangays, formulation of a comprehensive nutrition action plan based on the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition and documentation of the nutrition activities conducted.

As part of the monitoring, the 2011-2016 Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition was discussed which broadens the understanding of the stakeholders on the various nutrition programs that impacts the nutrition situation of the community. The overview of the Operation Timbang Plus (OPT Plus) was also presented in preparation for its implementation next year.

The monitoring and technical assistance provided were very much appreciated by the members of the Municipal Nutrition Committee, signifying their interest to join the 2013 search for outstanding performing LGUs in nutrition program management. This was a good feedback that indicates commitment to intensify the nutrition programs in the province considering that Apayao ranks 2nd among the provinces with the highest prevalence of 0-5years old based on the 2011 OPT result.