Documentation is an important element in nutrition program management. Good documentation helps the San Juan City Nutrition Committee (CNC) in keeping track of the progress of program implementation and monitoring and evaluating accomplishments.
The importance of good documentation is always emphasized by the members of the Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) during the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) feedbacking or exit conference with the members of the CNC. The nutrition secretariat heeded the advice of the RNET and established a system for documentation.
The nutrition secretariat serves as the data bank for the city nutrition programs. They make sure that all activities are documented with a brief write up of the activity, budget allocation, photo documentation, results of the activity, challenges encountered and recommendations on how the activity can be improved. The nutrition secretariat maintains a data bank of the results of Operation Timbang Plus, Household Baseline Survey, Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) Monthly Accomplishment Reports and the PPAN Quarterly Accomplishment Reports, among others. They ensure that these data are kept safe and easily available.
The BNSs maintain several folders for their reports on nutrition program, projects and activities including masterlists of beneficiaries. The BNSs also keep a diary of their day-to-day activities. The Nutritionist Supervisor during his/her monitoring visit checks the BNS’s reports and mentor him/her. The BNSs were also trained on computer literacy to improve their recording and reporting.
The city nutrition program coordinator ensures that the reports of the BNSs and the City/Barangay Nutrition Committees are submitted regularly and properly done. The CNC members also conduct monitoring visits in the barangays to check the status of nutrition program implementation and prepare monitoring report. The monitoring reports are discussed during the CNC meetings.
The city government recognizes the importance of good documentation. It provided funds for the purchase of several units of computers, supplies and materials for the use of the nutrition secretariat. The CNC believes that the records and reports that they have not only serve as evidences of their work but are also advocacy materials that they can use in influencing others to help them in their fight against malnutrition.
Written by: Dr. Rosalie M. Sto. Domingo, City Nutrition Action Officer), Ms. Trizia E. Bonina (Nutritionist-Dietitian II), Mr. Anthony V. Benabese (ND II), Ms. Catherine M. Villas (Barangay Health Aide)
v San Juan City was the recipient of the Best in Documentation Award during the 2017 Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony (RNAC) on July 28, 2017 at Novotel Hotel, Quezon City
v Article was featured in the 2017 RNAC Souvenir Program
