“Adopting the Learning Hub on Enhanced and Revitalized Nutrition (LHEARN) Program and Local Government Unit (LGU) shepherding program for strengthened Local Nutrition Governance as part of the overall Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022 LGU mobilization strategy” or Resolution No. 2 series of 2021, was recently approved during the first meeting of the Regional Sub-Committee on Nutrition-Sectoral Committee on Social Development (RSCN-SCSD).
The meeting was presided by it’s Chair, OIC-RD Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco, and convened by NNC Calabarzon RNPC, Carina Santiago. Member participants were composed of representatives from DOH, DOST, DILG, KNK, NEDA, DepEd, PIA, POPCOM, DAR, DENR, DTI, UPLB-BIDANI, DA, DSWD, DOLE and NNC.
The RSCN-SCSD members commit their support in the LHEARN Program as the members will have an important responsibility or task in selecting the next Learner LGU – following the pilot run of the LHEARN Session for Bacoor City, as well as being members of the Calabarzon LGU Shepherding Team.
These are the objectives of the LHEARN Program: (i) enlist high-performing LGUs to serve as learning hubs on nutrition and contribute to sustain effective local nutrition program management; (ii) provide a mechanism for sharing of good practices on nutrition and a platform for replication of such good practices; and (iii) encourage LGUs, particularly low-performing LGUs on nutrition to enrol in the program.
The aims for the LGU Shepherding Program are: (i) mobilize the nutrition activities of the Regional Technical Working Groups of the Regional Nutrition Committees and performing LGUs, as members of the regional LGU shepherding team; (ii) mentor low performing local government units in the effective management of nutrition programs for delivery of desired nutrition outcomes; (iii) provide a mechanism for sharing of good practices on nutrition and a platform for replication of good practices; (iv) strengthen the monitoring of nutrition performance of the priority LGUs; and (v) facilitate the dissemination of updated nutrition information and technologies and resolutions on nutrition issues and concerns;
The approved Resolution no. 2, Series of 2021 has a noble intent to support the nutrition programs in the CaLaBaRZon Region. With it, more LGUs will be able to implement quality nutrition programs, projects and activities not only in the region but also nationwide.
By: Edward C. Paglinawan
