The Regional Nutrition Shepherding Team (RNST) of NCR are now ready to assist the new priority local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila as part of the Regional Nutrition Shepherding Project. In August, the ‘shepherds’ were trained on Nutrition Shepherding. During the training, the RNST planned the details for the implementation of the Project in NCR.

Supported by the Regional Nutrition Committee Resolution No. 1 Series of 2020 entitled, “Resolution Declaring the New Priority Areas of the Regional Nutrition Shepherding Project”, the Project will focus on mentoring the big cities of NCR namely, Caloocan, Manila, Pasay and Quezon City.  These LGUs will be mentored on effective nutrition program management with focus on (1) nutrition policies, (2) nutrition planning and budgeting, and (3) local nutrition structures and human resource.

The RNST is led by its Chair, Executive Director Maria Elena V. Navarro of Grace Family Helper Project, and members composed of ARD Mary Jane A. Casimiro and Michelle R. Lobino (Commission on Population and Development-NCR); Charlotte G. Publico (Department of the Interior and Local Government-NCR); Liza Ross F. Ferrancullo (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority); Gelaine Louise D. Gutierrez (Philippine Information Agency-NCR); Richard P. Tolentino (Philippine Statistics Authority-NCR); Allysa Fabiola L. Bringas (Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines); Mirma C. Madrona (Save the Children Philippines); NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo, NO III Emerenciana L. Francia, and DMO II Theresa A. Rivas (National Nutrition Council-NCR). 

The RNST is set to meet with the Mayors of the four (4) LGUs to discuss the details of the Project this October.

The Nutrition Shepherding Project is a platform that involves guiding and mentoring LGUs by a regional nutrition shepherding team to enhance their capacities on nutrition program management.

Written by: NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo and NO III Emerenciana L. Francia