The National Nutrition Council – NCR (NNC-NCR) led the formulation of the Regional Plan of Action for Nutrition (RPAN) for 2023-2028 through a workshop held on October 13-14, 2022 at St. Giles Hotel, Makati City.

The formulation of the RPAN 2023-2028 enables various stakeholders in the region to align their policies, programs, and projects along the priorities for action of the PPAN 2023-2028. The PPAN or the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition is the country’s framework in addressing the problem on malnutrition. The development of RPAN also strengthens mutual accountability among stakeholders. Resources will also be mobilized for continued scaling up of key nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions. (To know more about PPAN: https://www.nnc.gov.ph/regional-offices/luzon/national-capital-region/7720-moving-ppan-forward-for-better-nutrition-outcomes)

The 2-day workshop was attended by 16 members of the Regional Nutrition Management Group and representatives of the Regional SUN Civil Society Network and Regional Associations of Nutrition Action Officers and City/District Nutrition Program Coordinators. It was facilitated by Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Milagros Elisa Federizo and technical staff of NNC-NCR: Nutrition Officer III Emerenciana Francia and Development Management Officers Theresa Rivas and Mary Anne Padilla. Also present was Ms. Marissa Navales, the technical writer of the RPAN.

The following were discussed and presented during the workshop: 1) Review and assessment of the gains and accomplishments of the RPAN 2019-2022, 2) Updates on the Regional Nutrition Situation, 3) highlights of accomplishments of member agencies of the Regional Nutrition Committee, 4) PPAN 2023-2028, 5) RPAN Goals and Target Setting, 6) RPAN Strategies and Interventions, 7) Investment Planning, 8) Implementation Arrangements and 9) Monitoring and Evaluation.

In her message, RNPC Federizo emphasized that malnutrition is a multi-faceted and multi-dimensional problem that requires a multisectoral approach. She highlighted the importance of coming together and identifying specific activities to address malnutrition in the region.

“NCR is faced with the triple burden of malnutrition. Finding solutions to the problem is even more challenging since NCR is highly urbanized and has its peculiarities,” RNPC Federizo said. She added, “That is why we need to get inputs and commitment from all member agencies and stakeholders on how we can improve the nutrition situation in the region.”

Before the workshop ended, the group agreed on their next steps which include the submission and completion of investment plan per member agency, coordination meetings, and presentation of the draft RPAN to the Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC) for approval. Once approved, the RNC shall adopt the RPAN 2023-2028 for implementation through a resolution.

Written by: DMO II Theresa A. Rivas and NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo