Quezon City – Early this year, NNC Calabarzon started distributing the Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tapes  and IEC materials (Pinggang Pinoy Handbook and the Barangay Nutrition brochure) to LGU representatives  for the conduct of their ongoing Operation Timbang (OPT) Plus and  nutrition screening for the first quarter.

In Cavite, the allocations for the municipalities were received by  Ms. Angeles  Peñalba, PNAO.   Ms. Peñalba, was a recipient of the “2020 Nutrition Heroes for Covid-19 Response (Provincial Category)“ during the 2020 Virtual Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony in November 2020.

In Dasmarinas City and Tagaytay City, the materials were obtained  by Ms. Elizabeth  Hernandez, CNAO and Ms. Marietta Dogelio, CNPC, respectively. Ms. Dogelio  was also among  the “Nutrition Hero (D/CNPC Category)” awardees.

In Calamba City, Ms. Aleli Catalina  Jimenez, CNAO accepted the materials.  Ms. Jimenez   was also one of the region’s  “Nutrition Heroes (City Category).” 

In Rizal Province,  Ms. Marie Claire  Miranda, DNPC -- with the assistance of Mr. John Hilario  Villaruel, MNAO and  RND of Taytay, Rizal  -- also received the materials allocated for its province and municipalities.

The delivery of MUAC tapes and IEC materials for Laguna, Batangas and Quezon province and its cities have also been arranged and scheduled for delivery through courier in the earliest possible time to target the timeline of performing the scheduled nutrition services.

The use of MUAC tapes instead of the weight and length/height measuring tools were recommended in the DOH-Department Memorandum 2020-0237 for the assessment of  nutritional status of children to limit health care provider contact with the infant or child. 

Despite the occurring pandemic, NNC Calabarzon  is fully committed to  provide its utmost assistance to the LGUs of Calabarzon in the pursuit of conducting sustainable nutrition services.

By: Kristine Joy E. Fedilo