The “Online Nutrition Service Continuity Survey” of NNC Calabarzon  which is expected to determine  the impact of  the Covid-19 pandemic on the provision and utilization of routine nutrition services in the health system in the region, has been  reinforced  in LGUs this month.  

The study covers the collection of data on the capacities undertaken by/and on  the following:   Barangay Nutrition Scholars; the  nutrition services offered before and during community quarantine; Nutrition Services Adaptation; Nutrition Information, Education, and Communication; and provision of food packs.

With technical assistance from UNICEF Philippines and NNC-CO, the survey has been successfully conducted. It utilized the web application “Enketo and ONA,” enabling the participants   to effectively gather and capture the essential information/data needed to participate in the survey.

Meantime, the partner LGUs in the region have given its all-out support for the successful conduct of the survey which will benefit not only its stakeholders   but also the whole country. The Provincial Nutrition Staff which includes the PNAOs and DNPCs, have also given  their untiring support in coordinating, following up activities,  and in facilitating the survey.  

To date, a total of 92%  of the LGUs  participated in the survey.  In Batangas Province survey coverage has reached 100%. Survey coverage in Laguna Province was 97%; in Quezon Province,  83%; in Rizal Province, 86 %;  and in Cavite Province, 91%. 

The survey is still ongoing and CaLaBaRZon is still aiming for a 100 percent coverage before the scheduled “Data Analysis and Triangulation on January 28, 2021.”

A total of 79  nutrition action officers,  health officers, nutrition staff,  and nutrition program coordinators   in  Region IV-A attended the orientation on the online survey during the first two weeks of January.   

Written by: Edward C. Paglinawan