The “Training on the Management of LHEARN” in Tagaytay City was finally completed last Feb. 22 to 24 and 26, through  the help of its resource persons: Ms. Abigail Pabro, NO III, Ms. Queenie Amosco, NO II (both  from NNC-Central Office); and Ms. Eireen Villa from Alcanz International.

In her welcome message, NPC Carina Santiago acknowledged  each Tagaytay LHEARN Team members for devoting their time and effort to attend the LHEARN  training. NPC Santiago also challenged  the future success of the Tagaytay City LHEARN Team and the Nutrition Learning Hub (NLH), being the first in  the CaLaBaRZon Region.

The use of the  catchy acronym LHEARN (which stands for “Learning Hub for Enhanced and Revitalized Nutrition”) was created to further promote and advance the establishment of the NLH. 

The   “LHEARN Team Tagaytay” is composed of the overall lead of CNAO Engr. Emilma Pello, and NLH Course Coordinator, CNPC Ms. Marietta  Dogelio. LHEARN Team members  include:  Hon. Athena Bryana Tolentino, City Councilor, Chairperson, and SP Chairperson Committee on Health and Nutrition; Dra. Liza Fe Capupus, City Health Officer; Dr. Joselito Laguardia, City Agriculture Officer; Mr. Leo Data, DILG-CLGOO; Ms. Elma Patawe, CSWD Officer; Atty. Myra Angela Gallardo-Batungbakal, Public Information Officer; Mr. Jose Clyde Yayong, CDRRMO; Mr. Alfredo Dimapilis, City Budget Officer; Hon. Jojit Desingaño, Barangay Chairperson of San Jose; Hon. Fatima Guadaña, Barangay Chairperson of Kaybagal South;  Hon. Esther Marasigan, Barangay Chairperson of Mendez Crossing West; Mr. Danilo Posion, BNS of Brgy Iruhin Central; Ms. Efegenia Javier, Brgy Kagawad of Maharlika East; Ms. Cecilia Santos, BNSs of Brgy Kaybagal South;  and Ms. Donnabel Lazo.

The secretariat are the CNPCs from the City Nutrition Office: Ms. Ma. Trinidad Dimapilis, Ms. Avelina Ambonan, Ms. Merced Bayot, Ms. Marilyn Seña; and those from the City Planning and Development Office: Ms. Jane Loyola and Ms. Jolina S. Baybay.

Mr. Edward Paglinawan, IMO and overall moderator,  and  Kristine Joy  Fedilo, NO I, were also  behind the four-day training, which was a blast and with lots of dynamic techniques. The training was also  intended as  preparation of the team to  acquire more knowledge  for the Learner LGU  in Bacoor City this March.

The objectives of the training  are: describe the overall purpose of the LHEARN Program, its principles, strategies, and stages of implementation; specify roles/tasks in establishing the LHEARN Program including the required documents to be accomplished; define involvement in the LHEARN Session’s preparatory and post learning activities and describe the tools/forms to be employed; state facilitation principles and techniques to consider when facilitating the LHEARN Sessions; finalize Session assignments of LHEARN Team; and demonstrate the ability to facilitate their respective sessions and serve as resource person/s.

Activities include: overview of the LHEARN Program; establishing the LHEARN Program; implementing the LHEARN Program; conduct of the LHEARN Sessions (included here is the Facilitator’s Guide, Facilitation Principles and Techniques); the simulation of facilitation of the Tagaytay LHEARN Team with appreciative inquiry from our respective panelist of resource speakers from NNC and Alcanz International ; and the post learning activities.

During the closing session, impressions were given by Mr.Posion, BNS of Iruhin Central;   Jojit Desingaño, Barangay Chairperson of San Jose, Tagaytay City; and Engr. Emilma Pello, CPDO)/CNAO. They  gave their grateful appreciation to the resource persons and facilitators of NNC and Alcanz International for the  fruitful sessions and discussions and for the transparent comments and recommendations given to  the LHEARN Team Tagaytay, particularly  during the “Simulation Facilitation.”

With fervent courage and readiness, Engr. Pello, CPDO/CNAO and team leader of the Tagaytay LHEARN Team,  accepted the challenge in establishing LHEARN in Tagaytay. She shared that they are  excited to extend their best practices in nutrition to the Learner LGU of Bacoor City.

Indeed, Tagaytay City has always responded with full enthusiasm in this worthwhile project of the NNC. Their “Next Step” would be their preparation for the first Learner LGU of Bacoor City.   They will be receiving continuous technical assistance and guidance of the NNC-CO, NNC-CaLaBaRZon and Alcanz International.

Here’s more power to the Tagaytay City Nutrition Committee headed by Mayor Agnes  Tolentino and the LHEARN Team!

Written by: Edward C. Paglinawan