The National Nutrition Council MIMAROPA Region conducted its first joint meeting of Regional Technical Working Group in Nutrition (RTWG), Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) and Early Childhood Care and Development-Technical Working Group (ECCD-TWG) for year 2021 via Zoom Application on 23 February 2021.
The virtual meeting was facilitated by NPC-OIC Ms. Ma. Eileen B. Blanco with the participation of Mr. Mark Angelo R. Lorenzo of DOH MIMAROPA, Mr. Dennis G. De Ramos of DILG MIMAROPA, Ms. Marieta L. Alvis of DA MIMAROPA, Ms. Maria Rosita Sanico and Ms. Patricia S. Galang of DOST MIMAROPA, Ms. Ruby T. Oncita and Ms. J-an C. Manuel of DAR MIMAROPA, Mr. Mark Laurence O. Guilles of POPCOM MIMAROPA, Mr. Fulbert Paul W. Pukias of DOLE MIMAROPA, Ms. Rose Ann Marquez of NCP, Ms. Melanie B. Ronquillo of PIA MIMAROPA, Ms. Jane Christine B. Guballa and Ms. Jobelle M. Mendoza of DOST MIMAROPA, Ms. Chara Lois T. Eje of NEDA MIMAROPA, Ms. Fatima Grate and Mr. Dennis B. Valdez of DENR MIMAROPA, Ms. Lea A. Dagot and Ms. Sheryll D. Montesa of BFAR MIMAROPA, Mr. Eddielito J. Sumangil of NCIP Region IV and Ms. Keren Faye Gaya of DepEd MIMAROPA.
First discussed during the meeting was the 2020 Regional Nutrition Situation, with reference to the results of the 2020 Operation Timbang Plus. Despite not hitting the target percentage for Operation Timbang Plus (OPT+) of at least 85% of the total 0 to 59 months old children in a barangay, NPC-OIC Blanco commended all LGUs for having an acceptable percentage reach amidst community restrictions.
After which, a strategizing discussion followed for the upcoming conduct of synchronous MELLPI Assistance to the national LGU contenders from the region– Roxas, Oriental Mindoro and Calapan City to be held on 1-4 March 2021. The City of Calapan is vying for the first year Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Award, whereas the Municipality of Roxas, Oriental Mindoro who is vying for the Nutrition Honor Award (NHA). Both LGUs will be assisted by NNC MIMAROPA staff together with representatives from DOLE MIMAROPA, NEDA MIMAROPA, and BFAR MIMAROPA. Compliance to the minimum health protocols will strictly be observed during the visit for the safety of all.
The meeting also served as a venue for election of the new RNET Chair and co-Chair for 2021. With the unanimous agreement and consent of the members, Mr. Mark Angelo R. Lorenzo of DOH MIMAROPA and Mr. Eddielito J. Sumangil of NCIP Region IV, were selected as the RNET Chair and Co-chair, respectively.
Following the objective of MELLPI, RNET must monitor and evaluate the implementation of local nutrition programs in the LGUs. Alongside, NPC-OIC Blanco extended her gratitude to all RNET members for their constant and sustained support in executing nutrition programs in the region.
(NKSLoyola)
