The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 02 in coordination with Cagayan Provincial Nutrition Committee represented by DNPC Johanne Delos trinos accompanied by Enrile Municipal Nutrition Committee represented by Nurse Frances Joy Tuliao 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. However, some BNSs cooked and prepared meals in their homes. 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 just as the same with other municipalities, it is just the same in terms of aroma, taste and texture as normal rice. All beneficiaries gained weight and all babies delivered has normal birth weight.
Minimal concerns were raised during the visit. Some BNSs reported that some nutribuns got spoiled during the program but already informed the supplier to make necessary adjustment. Changes in the actual day of the menu to be given were also changed to cook the most perishable dishes first.
NNC Region 02 also met with the newly appointed Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Monalisa Luyun Cumigad, DPPS to advocate for the implementation of nutrition programs and for the creation of plantilla positions for nutrition workers. She assured that they will discuss the matter with the authorities. She was also hopeful that nutrition program management will be strengthen in Enrile.
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
