In order to build capacities among the local nutrition action officers and implementers in the management and coordination of different nutrition programs, the NNC for Central Luzon conducted the Nutrition Program Management Training for implementers. It aims to enhance not only the skills and knowledge but to mold attitude producing more effective nutrition program managers.

The five-day training was held at King’s Royale HOTEL and Resort, Bacolor, Pampanga on March 16-20, 2015. The 30 participants of NPM consist of Provincial/City/Municipal Nutrition Action Officers, Municipal Health Officers, District and City Nutrition Program Coordinators, Nurses and Nutrition Officers from the cities of Angeles, Mabalacat, San Fernando, Tarlac and Cabanatuan; while others came from the municipalities of Aurora (1-Dilasag), Bataan (2-Hermosa and Bagac), , Bulacan (6-Angat, Pandi, Baliwag and Norzagaray), Nueva Ecija (2-Carranglan), Pampanga (4-Macabebe, Candaba and Arayat), Tarlac (2-Moncada and Ramos) and Zambales (4-San Marcelino, Candelaria and Sta. Cruz).

Specifically, the training was aimed at a) providing the participants a common and better understanding of the basic concepts on food and nutrition and the Nutrition Program Management Cycle; b) strengthening the core values and improving the skills of nutrition workers; and c) promoting integration of Nutrition Program Management (NPM) in the local governance and development system.

As an end course requirement of the five-day training, the participants submitted their draft local nutrition action plans. The 3-year plan preparation was among the core activities of the training since the NPM Training graduates must be able to lead in planning in their respective LGUs. To enable them to perform managerial and other related functions, NAOs and other local nutrition workers mentioned above are expected to become experts in local nutrition assessment, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of local nutrition programs.

The training became a venue to build friends, to establish networks and sustain stronger support system for the cause of nutrition.