25 July 2014 – The Calabarzon Regional Nutrition Cluster members, together with the Nutrition Cluster Coordinator and RNPC Carina Z. Santiago and Staff conducted rapid nutrition assessment among infants and young children as well as IYCF counseling to mothers and guardians in the evacuation centers in Barangay Parian and Pansol in Calamba City and Barangay Masaya and Tranca in Bay, Laguna.

Having discussed during the emergency meeting held the day before, the Regional Nutrition Cluster went to fulfill their functions and duties by providing nutrition response to the people situated in the said evacuation centers. The cluster members measured the mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of the children to identify their nutritional status. They have identified two (2) moderate acute malnourished (MAM) children among the 26 children assessed, where they were later referred to proper authorities. On the other hand, the importance of breastfeeding specifically during disasters was emphasized to the lactating mothers and more so to those seen currently bottle-feeding their young ones, during one-on-one counselling by the Cluster members.

After the visit to the evacuation centers, the Regional Nutrition Cluster talked about the response and processed their experience. Suggestions and recommendations were presented for further improvement of the group’s response during disasters.