Executive Order (EO) No. 356, series 2021 ”An Order Establishing the Nutrition Learning Hub (NLH) in the City of Tagaytay” was signed last February 9 by Tagaytay Mayor, Hon. Agnes Tolentino. The EO was signed, following the NLH preparations and coordination meeting conducted by NNC Calabarzon NPC, Carina Santiago and IMO, Edward Paglinawan,- with Tagaytay City CNAO Engr. Emilma Pello, CNPCs Marietta Dogelio, and Marilyn Seña.
The NLH, is expected to increase the number of LGUs that implement quality nutrition programs and interventions. It will also capacitate the LGUs in implementing and sustaining nutrition programs through exchange of knowledge and experiences with other LGUs.
The NNC has initially selected Tagaytay City as one of the four (4) pilot areas to pioneer the establishment of the NLH in the country. The pilot areas are those that have long standing history of good performance in nutrition programs. They also have LCEs who have proven strong political will and are willing to share not only the positive elements that made them successful, but also how they have overcome their failures.
Incorporated in the EO is the creation of the NLH Team with the overall lead of CNAO Engr. Emilma Pello and NLH Course Coordinator, CNPC Marietta Dogelio. Team Members include: Hon. Athena Bryana Tolentino (City Councilor, Chairperson, SP Chairperson, Committee on Health and Nutrition); City Health Officer, Dra. Liza Fe Capupus; City Agriculture Officer, Dr. Joselito Laguardia; DILG-CLGOO, Mr. Leo Data; CSWD Officer, Ms. Elma Patawe; Public Information Officer, Atty. Myra Angela Gallardo-Batungbakal; CDRRMO, Mr. Jose Clyde Yayong; and City Budget Officer, Mr. Alfredo Dimapilis (Bgy. Chairperson of San Jose); Hon. Jojit Desingaño, (Barangay Chairperson of Kaybagal South); Hon. Fatima Guadaña (Barangay Chairperson of Mendez Crossing West); Hon. Esther Marasigan (BNS of Barangay Iruhin Central); Mr. Danilo Posion (Barangay Kagawad of Maharlika East); Ms. Efigenia Javier; and BNS of Barangay Kaybagal South, Ms. Cecilia Santos. The secretariat consist of the staff from the City Nutrition Office and City Planning and Development Office.
With technical assistance from Alcanz International, the NNC is currently finalizing the development of a structured learning program to meet the peculiar needs and varying situations of the “Learner LGU’s.” NNC Calabarzon is also in the process of identifying “Learner LGUs” to be invited to participate in the learning hub.
The “Learner LGUs” are: good performing, but still need further enhancement on the effectiveness/efficiency of some of their interventions/PPAs; low performing, with difficulty in scaling up nutrition service coverage and curbing malnutrition in their locality; and with limited knowledge and experience in mounting and implementing innovative/effective nutrition interventions/PPAs.
The other criteria for the “learner LGUs” would be: low performing, faced with organizational support issues/problems; with weak governance (e,g, non-functionality of local nutrition committees, limited nutrition workforce, absence of nutrition program support structure, lack of leadership support and commitment to nutrition, etc.). High Nutrition Performing LGUs can also attend the NLH Program with focus only on areas/components in which they need further strengthening/enhancement.
Training of the Tagaytay City NLH Team by the NNC Central Office and Alcanz International staff is scheduled on the last week of February. The call is now for all LGUs to better implement their nutrition programs and take the prime responsibility in addressing the nutritional gaps and needs of their population by participating in the NLH project.
The setting-up of the NLH is one of the activities under the LGU Mobilization Strategy of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN).
Written by: Edward C. Paglinawan
