The Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022 stresses the convergence of nutrition-specific programs, nutrition-sensitive programs and enabling programs. These nutrition-supportive programs call for efficiency and effectiveness to ensure positive nutrition-outcomes at the end of 2022. In 2018, the National Nutrition Council published a Compendium of Actions in Nutrition (CAN) which features success stories of eleven (11) local government units (LGUs) championing in nutrition. Among the key lessons common in these LGUs are their strong enabling mechanisms established in their respective LGUs. Enabling programs should mobilize LGUs for nutrition outcomes, create an environment for food and nutrition policies, and strengthen management support for PPAN 2017-2022. Here are the activities identified in PPAN 2017-2022 under enabling programs:
LGU Mobilization:
- Mobilization of Local Government Units for Delivery of Nutritional Outcomes through the NNC Sub-Regional Network
- Enabling Policy and Legal Framework for LGU Mobilization
- Development of Continuing Opportunities for LGU Excellence in Nutrition Programming
- Mobilization of Rural Improvement Clubs and other community-based organizations for nutrition action
Policy Development for Food and Nutrition
- Securing policy support for improving nutrition, specifically along the priority legislative measures
- Public advocacy for improved support to nutrition
Management Support to PPAN 2017-2022
- Securing vital nutrition infrastructure and resource requirements for PPAN
- Strengthening coordination, monitoring, evaluation, and management of PPAN across NNC including member agencies and NNC Secretariat
These activities aim to provide a clear direction on how LGUs can provide effective nutrition programs among its constituents, especially the vulnerable population including the pregnant and lactating women, preschool children, and elderly. Established enabling programs are also a key component in championing nutrition at the local level. -EMArcinue
