The notable full devolution efforts in eight proactive Calabarzon LGUs have led to the creation of Nutrition Offices and additional hiring of Nutrition Officers (NOs) in the region -- indicating early constructive gains in the implementation of Executive Order 138 or the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling.
Accordingly, the Regional Sub-Committee on Nutrition (RSCN) and the National Nutrition Council Calabarzon were well-pleased and grateful to the LGUs who vigorously responded to the call to further boost their nutrition programs, projects and activities. The significant outputs are the following:
A. BACOOR CITY – Approved additional plantilla positions: two NO I (SG 10); one NO II (SG 14); one NO III (SG 18); and one NO IV (SG 22).
Furthermore, there will be programs, projects and activities (PPAs) this year on nutrition to be included in the approved Devolution Transition Plan (DTP) for additional funding for the following: creation of nutrition office supported by the City Mayor and hiring of nutritionist-dietitians (NDs).
B. BINAN CITY – Approved additional plantilla positions for: one ND I (SG10); and one ND 1 under CHO (SG11). Hiring will start after elections this year.
C. TAGAYTAY CITY – Submitted request to add the following approved plantilla positions: one NO III (SG18); one NO II (SG14).
D. SARIAYA, QUEZON – Created an additional plantilla for: ND II (SG15) and NO II (SG14). Hiring will start this year and items were included in the Annual Investment Program (AIP).
The municipality is the very first municipality in Quezon province to establish a Nutrition Office. It was supported by an SB resolution dated August 15, 2021 “Institutionalizing Nutrition Office, ensuring the creation of and establishment of nutrition office and hiring of permanent NAO with adequate technical and admin staff.”
E. TAYABAS CITY – CNAO Manel Chong conducted a meeting with the City Mayor, City Administrator and Planning Officer to present the legal bases for the creation of a Nutrition Office.
During the meeting, the proposed City DTP Devolution Team was presented including one NO IV (SG22), three assistant NDs, one clerk IV (SG8), and one computer operator (SG7).
F. CALAMBA CITY – Approved 2022 plantilla positions: two ND I; AA VI; and AA III -- with increment of an additional position each year.
G. TANAUAN CITY – Included the creation of the City Nutrition Office under the Mayor's Office in the DTP for 2023: NO V (SG24); NO III (SG 18); ND II (SG 15); NO II (SG 14); NO I (SG 10); Admin Assistant II (SG 8); Admin Aide III; and Driver (SG 3).
H. DASMARINAS CITY – Proposed the creation of additional plantilla position: NO IV (SG 18); two NO I (SG 10); Admin Assistant (SG 8 ); and Admin Aide (SG6).
Other LGUs with notable efforts on the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling implementation are the LGUs of Batangas City, Batangas Province and Cavite Province.
The implementation of the full devolution is in line with the expected increase in the Internal Revenue Allotment (National Tax Allocation) of LGUs beginning FY 2022 and a result of the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling.
Consequently, the NNC Calabarzon together with the inter-agency body of RSCN and the LGUs in Calabarzon have been actively working on the implementation of the directive. As a result, the “Joint DOH-DILG Memorandum No. 1, Series 2021” was created. It was approved during the RSCN meeting held last June 29, 2021.
The Joint MC was signed by then DOH4A OIC-RD Paula Paz Sydiongco and DILG4A RD Ariel Iglesia – both of whom strongly requested the strengthening of the LGU nutrition programs thru the creation of positions for NOs and creation of Nutrition Offices. NNC Calabarzon then disseminated the Joint MC and supporting documents and guidelines to all 147 LGUs of Calabarzon also in 2021.
This was also discussed during the 1st RSCN Meeting for 2021 presided by the current RSCN Chair, DOH Regional Director Ariel I. Valencia on 14 March 2021.
Given the dynamic start, the RSCN continuously encourages other LGUs in Calabarzon to follow suit.
Certainly, strong LGU nutrition programs are vital for the effective implementation of localized “Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition” towards a well-nourished, healthy and strong community members and the fight against malnutrition.
Written by: Zarah Clarice T. Megino
