Being one of the local government units (LGUs) with outstanding performance in nutrition program management resulting to improved nutrition outcomes, Mandaluyong City also known as the “Tiger City” has been qualified to become a Learning Hub for Enhanced and Revitalized Nutrition Program (LHEARN) in the country. During the orientation meeting held on February 5, 2021 via Zoom, the members of the City Nutrition Committee led by City Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Pecos R.I. Camarines showed their enthusiasm and pledged their support to make Mandaluyong a LHEARN LGU.
“Napakasarap sa pakiramdam na ma-experience ang makapag share ng mga successful activities lalo na sa nutrition program. Nakakaproud na mapili ang aming city na makatulong sa mga nangangailangan na ibang LGU. If needed, we will also allocate funds for the implementation of this program, said CNC member Susan Gasilao.
The LHEARN Program is a capacity building platform to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experiences in nutrition program management among LGUs for improved nutrition. The program is part of the LGU Mobilization Strategy of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) to achieve the goals and outcomes of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022.
As a participant of the LHEARN Program, Mandaluyong City will be able to share their journey on nutrition program management to various LGUs. The platform will provide an opportunity to other LGUs to improve their management and implementation of their nutrition programs. These LGUs will learn from Mandaluyong City’s innovative and effective nutrition initiatives particularly on the leadership and governance support that made the city as one of the nutrition champions in the country.
NNC-NCR Nutrition Program Coordinator Mila Federizo expressed her support to Mandaluyong City in this journey. “We will be assisting Mandaluyong City in ensuring that the LHEARN Program will be pursued in the coming months and we will work together in making Mandaluyong City a learning hub in nutrition”, said NPC Federizo.
NNC hopes that as more LGUs participate in the LHEARN Program, significant nutrition improvement will be more evident as nutrition becomes a priority program of LGUs. More LGUs prioritizing nutrition programs means more investments in nutrition. LGUs are called on to scale up nutrition actions especially during this time to help improve the nutrition situation in the country amid this pandemic.
Written by NOIII Emerenciana L. Francia and NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo
Reference: NNC Briefer on LHEARN
