The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 02 in coordination with Cagayan Provincial Nutrition Committee represented by DNPC Rizalina Narisma accompanied by Gattaran Municipal Nutrition Committee represented by Nora Pinera Stacy, Municipal Nutrition Program Coordinator conducted Tutok Kainan Monitoring visits to beneficiaries of program in their locality.
The team interviewed barangay nutrition scholars, beneficiaries and other key implementer of the program to monitor the progress. Areas checked were preparation of food, impact to beneficiaries, issues, concerns and challenges were also discussed and shared by the municipality.
The BNSs shared that the implementation of the program was smooth in their respective barangays. The Barangay Nutrition Committees were also supportive in the implementation and provided counterparts such as vehicle service, and cooking equipment and gas. They were also grateful for the load allowance given by NNC. The beneficiaries were also grateful for the program. They commended the menu selection and the commitments of the barangay workers who prepared and delivered their meals. They also lauded the taste and how dense the enhanced nutribun were. Feedback on iron-fortified rice was it is just the same in terms of aroma, taste and texture as normal rice.
Minimal concerns were raised during the visit. Some BNSs reported that they had not received their load allowance and were advised to inform the NNC for updating in their system. NNC also noticed that the workers did not follow the prescribed reporting format. They were reminded to follow the prescribed format so that their reports will reflect in the system.
NNC Region 02 also met with the Office of Hon. Mayor Matthew C. Nolasco through their Municipal Planning and Development Officer to advocate for the creation of plantilla positions for nutrition workers. Gattaran already included the creation of plantilla positions for nutrition in their devolution transition plan.
With the conclusion of the program in the municipality, NNC still hopes that they will continue feeding the nutritionally-at-risk pregnant women and 6-23 months old children, in addition to implementing their local nutrition action plan. – Edzell M. Arcinue
