The Regional Development Council (RDC) MIMAROPA, chaired by Romblon Province Governor Jose R. Riano, approved on Friday, 4 September 2020, the Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC) Resolution No. 1, s. 2020, which seeks support to request all local government units in the region to provide healthy and nutritious food packs during disasters, calamities, and public health emergencies.
The presentation of the RNC Resolution was part of the agenda of the Third Quarter Regional Development Council (RDC) Full Council Meeting held via Zoom application, with National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) as Secretariat. The online meeting was attended by approximately 110 participants representing various regional government agencies, local government units, and development partners.
Regional Social Development Committee Marvi Trudeau discussed the Resolution’s salient points, highlighting its significance to help protect and promote local economy through patronizing fresh produce directly from small farmers, fisherfolks and cooperatives within the community and ultimately, to help meet nutritional needs of people especially those belonging to at-risk groups including infants, young children, pregnant and lactating women, elderly, and indigenous groups during times of emergencies.
The RNC Resolution, which is a response to the call for action of the National Nutrition Cluster per Advisories released in March 2020, has four actions for guidance of local government units, to wit: 1) Inclusion of local fresh produce in food packs by buying items directly from small farmers and cooperatives within the community; 2) Limit donations of foods high in fats, sugar, and/or salt unless healthier alternatives are not accessible; 3) Inclusion of recipes to make food donations a more nutritious dish; and 4) Inclusion of food items which are adequately fortified, or those with Sangkap Pinoy Seal.
The approval of the RNC Resolution anticipates LGUs’ adaption through passing of local issuances or ordinances in support of the policy through appropriate coordination and funding. The National Nutrition Council MIMAROPA Secretariat will be in-charge for monitoring and ensuring the full implementation of the Resolution in the Region.
Copies of reference documents can be found on the following links:
https://nnc.gov.ph/regional-offices/luzon/region-iv-b-mimaropa/3895-rnc-pushes-for-healthy-food-packs
