Baguio City -- The National Nutrition Council conducted a local nutrition action planning workshop for the Early Childhood Care and Development in the First 1000 Days (ECCD-F1K) Program last October 11-14, 2016 at Hotel Veniz, Baguio City. The activity was attended by the technical core planning group of the program areas in Pangasinan (Alaminos City, Urdaneta City, Munipalities of Bayambang and Umingan) which is composed of City/Municipal Nutrition Action Officers, City/Municipal Health Officers, City/Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators, City/Municipal Agriculture Officer and City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers.
The activity was actively facilitated by NPC Ma. Eileen B. Blanco, NO IV Mr. Reginaldo T. Guillen from the Nutrition Policy and Planning Division of NNC Central Office, Mr. Ednore Freynon Perez, a Senior Economic Development Specialist from NEDA ROI, Ms. Elma Irapta, PNAO of Ilocos Norte and PNC Andreissa Fae S. Ranchez, with the full support of NO I Mary Gene Contic and AA VI Nicholo Lozano.
The local nutrition planning workshop is an essential part of the LGU mobilization for the integration of the ECCD F1K program into the three-year City/Municipal Nutrition Action Plan (C/MNAP). It consists of nutrition situation analysis, objectives, operational plan for programs, projects and activities to be implemented, monitoring and evaluation design and arrangements for organization and coordination.
During the activity, it was emphasized that there is a need for effective and efficient nutrition program management to address malnutrition. One of the participants also said that “we should look at nutrition as a human capital investment for sustainable economic development not only at the national but also at the local level”.
After the rigorous workshop, the participants formulated an inclusive and evidence-based C/MNAP, which will be further polished and finalized by their respective nutrition committees, with the approval of the local chief executives. An annual investment plan was also drafted to ensure that the plan will be appropriately funded and implemented.
Moreover, a strong camaraderie was established among the participants creating collaborative effort between different sectors of the LGU. The activity was then concluded by the sharing of insights among the facilitators and participants, and awarding of certificates. (By: Ms. Andreissa Fae S. Ranchez, ECCD-F1K Provincial Nutrition Coordinator)
