The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 02 in coordination with Cagayan Provincial Nutrition Committee represented by DNPC Marcia Ibañez accompanied by Piat Municipal Nutrition Committee represented by Ma. Teresa Oñate, Municipal Nutrition Action Officer 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. They also expressed their gratitude towards the implementation of the program in their respective barangays and acknowledged the benefits that the program posed for the beneficiaries. Barangay Chairpersons also acknowledged the program and the efforts of the BNSs in leading the program.
Dr. Amparo Rosario Bañez, MHO, also shared that all health related services for the first 1000 days, from pre- and postnatal check-ups, micronutrient supplementation, vaccines, and counselling are in place in the municipality. She also shared that they proposed for a creation of a nutritionist-dietitian position who will eventually be appointed as their MNAO.
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 SMS regarding Tutok Kainan. They were advised to inform the NNC for updating in their system. They also shared that they adjusted the day of preparation of the menu and prioritized cooking more perishable dishes first.
NNC Region 02 also met with the Office of Hon. Mayor Attorney Carmelo O. Villacete through his executive assistant joined by the Municipal Budget Officer and Municipal Planning and Development Officer to advocate for the creation of plantilla positions for nutrition workers. Aside from the proposed nutritionist dietitian position, they will also explore creation of various positions that will handle nutrition programs in Piat.
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
