True to its dedicated mission of intensifying the mobilization and generation of more LGUs capable of implementing better quality nutrition programs in Region IV-A -- the “Tagaytay City LHEARN Team” successfully conducted two (2) face-to-face LHEARN sessions in Quezon Province.
There were a total of 59 participants from two (2) LGUs of Quezon Province who attended the LHEARN sessions and they consist of department heads and representatives. They include the aspiring Nutrition Champions from Sariaya Municipal Nutrition Committee (MNC) and Tayabas City Nutrition Committee (CNC). They are both awardees of the Green Banner Seal of Compliance in last year’s Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony.
The LHEARN team was led by Tagaytay CNAO Engr. Emilma U. Pello, and Course Coordinator CNPC Marietta DG. Dogelio – with the support of the National Nutrition Council Calabarzon led by RNPC Carina Z. Santiago.
On the discussions
Discussions for Day 1 covered the following: “Tagaytay City Nutrition Journey”; “Nutrition Governance”; “Nutrition Planning”; “Integration of Nutrition in the Local Development Plan and Budget and Nutrition Program Interventions”; “Rationale and Guide in Investing in Nutrition. In Day 2 was the “Lakbay Aral,” the most awaited and enriching activity in the outstanding barangay performers in nutrition of Tagaytay City, namely: Barangay Kaybagal South, San Jose and Mendez Crossing West.
In addition, important issues pertaining to the LGU nutrition budget and how BNC members can be motivated to be unison in nutrition program implementation -- was generously shared by the BNC Chairs themselves and the Tagaytay LHEARN team.
Impact of the sessions
Joint reflections were conducted as soon as the participants returned from the barangay visitations. They shared insights regarding the nutrition initiatives which they think are worth replicating in their LGU.
In effect, the attendees were unanimously amazed and delighted by the nutrition PPAs of the outstanding BNCs and were inspired to adapt the good governance for nutrition displayed by the BNC Chairs. They also realized the importance of organizing and strengthening the basic nutrition services in barangays as it contributes to the success of the implementation of PPAN Programs.
Looking through each batch of the LHEARN session, the activity created a great impact on the Learner LGUs in terms of equipping the members of the Local Nutrition Committee (LNC), headed by the Local Chief Executive and local nutrition and health workers with sufficient knowledge on nutrition towards resiliency and attainment of nutritional goals.
Furthermore, the activity promoted a deeper understanding of how Tagaytay City journeyed in their nutrition endeavors where the Barangay Nutrition Committees (BNCs) were mobilized which provided effective and innovative nutrition programs for the community.
More information on the participants
A total of 33 participants consisting of department heads and representatives who are members of the Sariaya Municipal Nutrition Committee and members of the Barangay Nutrition Committee of Barangay Balubal attended the LHEARN sessions through the efforts of Sariaya MNAO Reymundo Razon. Meanwhile, Tayabas CNAO Marinela Z. Chong brought a total of 26 participants which includes Hon. Filemon P. Villanueva, City Councilor and SP Committee on Health Chair, members of the Tayabas CNC and members of the BNC from Barangay Ilaya Ilasan and Barangay Camaysa.
Among the other guests/observers were Ms. Jovita Raval, Chief of the Nutrition Information and Education Division of NNC, and Ms. Ma. Queenie Rose G. Amosco-De Jesus, Nutrition Officer II of the same division. They provided inputs and recommendations for the improvement of Tagaytay learning hub, to also be able to gather enough information in updating the Manual of Operations for the LHEARN Project.
More commitments
The Tagaytay LHEARN Team is eager to improve their learning hub to be able to cater to more LGUs in enrolling in the program in the hope of improving nutrition services and efficient implementation of nutrition programs that would eventually lead them to ascend to greater heights in their nutrition journey and become Champions for Nutrition.
What led the Tayabas CNC and Sariaya MNC to enroll in the program of the Tagaytay City LHEARN Team was their sincere desire to specialize in the nutrition strategies implemented in the activity.
The LHEARN Program is a platform to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experiences on nutrition program management among LGUs for improved nutrition to achieve the goals and outcomes of PPAN 2017-2022.
Likewise, NNC Calabarzon and NNC Central Office will continue to provide assistance in the refinement of the Tagaytay City LHEARN Program and in transforming and refining the re-entry plan, together with the constant monitoring of the Learner LGUs thru the leadership of Ms. Carina Z. Santiago
Written by: Kristine Joy E. Fedilo
