Quezon City – The recent online discussion forum in the “Nutrition in Emergencies–Information Management (NiE-IM)” e-learning course has spurred greater interest and collaboration in enhancing Nutrition Plans in Calabarzon. According to the students, the queries, sharing and insights with the groups gave them a platform to express their views and creativity and made them feel that they could positively contribute to the success of the region’s DRRM-H-NiE Plans.
The discussions centered on the following: 1) Philippine Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (PIMAM) and Information Management Tools like 4Ws; 2) Nutrition Initial Needs Assessment (NINA); 3) Gap Analysis tool, Capacity Mapping Tool and Data Repository; 4) Presentations of the Local Government Unit’s output on Disaster Risk Reduction Management–Health–Nutrition in Emergencies Plan; and 5) Case Study and their Re-Entry Plan.
The following LGUs presented their output in relation to their specific assigned reports: Tanauan City and Antipolo City on “Prevention and Mitigation Plan”; The Province of Batangas and Cabuyao City on “Preparedness Plan”; The Province of Cavite and Sta.Rosa City on “Response Plan” ; and Tagaytay City and Tayabas City on “Recovery and Rehabilitation Plan.”
In the forum, the participants from General Trias City and Calamba City also presented their case study output. The case study was one of the major requirements for the students and it enabled them to really simulcast and integrate all the learnings from the course.
The participants’ untiring dedication, commitment and passion to finish their output was highly commended by the expert resource speakers: Janice Feliciano (ND V from Health Emergency Management Bureau of DOH) and Ms. Ruth P. Tio (Assistant DRRM-H- Manager of DOH4A).
Supporting the commendations were our very own training team headed by Ms. Carina Z. Santiago (Nutrition Program Coordinator), together with Ms. Jellie Anne C. Palencia (ND IV, DOH4A), Ms. Maria Victoria O. Reyes (ND II-DOH4A), Ms. Joan Marie B. Pedron (ND II-DOH4A), Ms. Maria Jhonadelle Ritz Castillo (PNC-NNC4A) and Ms. Emerene Pingol (PNC-NNC4A).
Indeed, the open forum for CaLaBaRZon Region was a success with so much learning and sharing from the experienced speakers which enriched the knowledge of each and every one. The students were also given an extension date to polish their work to help them develop and integrate their DRRM—H-NiE Plan and have their budget approved.
In the future, online forums could also highly contribute towards ensuring more discussions on nutrition topics that stakeholders want to actively participate in and encourage them to engage with the tool and help achieve the region’s program success.
Written by: Edward C. Paglinawan
