Ninety four (94) Nutrition Action Officers (NAOs) and representatives from the different municipalities, cities, and provinces in Calabarzon continue to scale up their passion for nutrition efforts in an online virtual General Assembly (GA) held in two clusters in August 25 and 27. Amid pandemics, calamities and changes in work practice, NNC Calabarzon carries on its work to get people moving even more vigorously with unfailing hard work.
During the GA, Ms. Carina Z. Santiago, Calabarzon’s Nutrition Program Coordinator, presented the Plans and Updates of NNC Calabarzon: 1) The nutrition programs, projects and activities; 2) The BNS financial, medical and survivorship assistance of NNC; 3) The resumption of Operation Timbang (OPT) Plus; 4) The compliance to LBM No. 80 s. 2020; and 5) The status of submitted NAOs Profile and Inventory. The nutrition programs, projects and activities include the upcoming virtual orientations, trainings, and conferences to be conducted by the national and regional office.
The forthcoming 2020 Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony (RNAC) was one of the virtual events announced to be conducted. In the ceremony, the LGUs and nutrition workers who have exhibited outstanding performance will be recognized. Unlike the yearly RNAC where awards are based upon the results of the MELLPI Pro (Monitoring and Evaluation of the Local Level Plan Implementation Pro) -- this year, recognition will be drawn from the key players in nutrition responses during the Taal Volcano Eruption and Covid-19 pandemic.
The Regional Webby Award was another important award launched. It will recognize the LGUs and Regional Line Agencies (RLAs) whose social media accounts have actively contributed in advocating nutrition awareness and promotion.
Also featured in the GA were the welcoming of the new members of the NAOPA Calabarzon Chapter. All provinces were acknowledged as having new municipal NAOs including four (4) from Cavite Province, eight (8) from Laguna Province, four (4) from Rizal Province, seven (7) from Batangas Province and six (6) from Quezon Province.
The virual participants were also given an Orientation on MELLPI Pro by Ms. Lourdes B. Orongan, NO III. The discussion included: the background of MELLPI, it’s key features, mechanics, the new nutrition awards, and incentives. Since the conduct of MELLPI Pro has been postponed due to the current situation, the new guidelines will be used next year when the monitoring and evaluation activities resumes.
Further, a brief Orientation on the Nutrition Cluster and Information Management was given by Ms. Ma. Jhonnadelle Ritz H. Castillo, F1K PNC; and Ms. Mary Emerene P. Pingol, NO I. The discourse focused on the functions of Nutrition Cluster and Information Management Officer (IMO) and the six (6) Information Management Tools that will be used during emergencies and disaster.
The General Assemply Proper for Calabarzon’s NAOPA (Nutrition Action Officers’ Association of the Philippines) Chapter was led by Ms. Teresita S. Ramos, its President and Laguna PNAO. She discussed: the origin of NAOPA Calabarzon; its functions, significant policies proposed and pending approval; plans for 2018-2020; and the status of membership of NAOs. The status of annual dues collection among members was also presented by Ms. Angeles P. Peñalba, PNAO of Cavite and NAOPA-Calabarzon Treasurer.
Finally, in the Agreements and Next Steps, another region-wide virtual General Assembly of NAOs was scheduled in the 4th Quarter of the year. Further, the NNC RO will soon be forwarding advocacy letters to the LCEs for the designation of Information Management Officer (IMO) at the provincial, city and municipal level, as well as the designation of NAOs as the local nutrition cluster coordinator. And lastly, NNC will be convening a meeting with the officers of the NAOPA Provincial Chapters to discuss plans as well as reconcile data on the association dues of the members.
There are more opportunities ahead. In constantly building momentum for nutrition promotion, children and their families in Calabarzon region will remain healthy in the safety of their homes.
