Calapan City – The Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) composed of NNC MIMAROPA staff Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Ms. Ma. Eileen B. Blanco, Nutrition Officer III Ms. Maria Camille Louise C. Chen, Nutrition Officer I Ms. Nichole Kate S. Loyola and RNET members DOLE representative, Mr. Fulbert Paul W. Pukias (onsite) and NEDA representative Ms. Chara Lois T. Eje (online), provided technical assistance on Nutrition Program Implementation to LGU Calapan City on 1-3 March 2021, scrupulously adhering to the minimum public safety protocols.
Upon arrival, the team was heartily welcomed by City Nutrition Office staff City Nutrition Action Officer Ms. Glenda M. Raquepo, City Nutrition Program Coordinator Ms. Ma. Imee A. Celestino, Nutrition Officer I Ms. Hazel Anne L.Masongsong, Administrative Aide IV Ms. Josielyn G. Cuasay and Consultant Ms. Zipora O. Manes at Brgy. Parang, Calapan City.
Subsequently, a courtesy visit to Calapan City Mayor and City Nutrition Committee (CNC) Chair Arnan C. Panaligan accompanied by City Nutrition Staff was conducted. “Rest assured that I will be supporting the nutrition programs implemented in our city”, he pleasingly stated. A desk review of accomplishments, records, and relevant documents was then followed.
NPC-OIC Blanco led the discussion on overview of MELLPI Pro and the journey of LGU Calapan City in fulfilling the first year Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) maintenance award. Alongside, she delivered the initial findings and recommendations of RNET in accordance with the results from the desk review. It was participated by City Administrator Atty. Adel C. Abas, CNAO Glenda M. Raquepo, CNPC Ms. Ma. Imee A. Celestino, and various CNC members from City Health and Sanitation Department, Department of Education – Calapan City, Office of the Senior Citizens Association, City Welfare and Development Office, Oriental Mindoro Medical Society, City Budget Department, City Trade and Industry Department, Urban Planning and Development Department and Department of Interior and Local Government – Calapan City.
As part of the exit conference, NO III Chen and NO I Loyola validated the initial findings presented and actions to be taken by the CNC. It was then participated by Councilor on Health and CNC Co-Chair Hon. Ronalee Escondo-Leachon, CNAO Raquepo, CNPC Celestino, NO I Masongsong and Consultant Manes.
“Hindi madali i-advocate ang nutrition dahil hindi mabilis makita ang results”, NPC-OIC Blanco expressed. Amidst the situation, City Nutrition Committee (CNC) of Calapan City has unceasing support on the implementation of nutrition programs for the betterment of the city. Calapan City will endure its battle until Nutrition Honor Award (NHA), the highest nutrition award granted by NNC, is obtained.
(NKSLoyola)
