Province of Marinduque – Nutrition Program Coordinator (NPC), OIC Ma. Eileen B. Blanco and Provincial Nutrition Focal Point (PNFP) Nichole Loyola conducted a back-to-back Radyo Kamalindig Monitoring and Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program Meeting last 8-9 March 2022.
Before the surprise monitoring visit to Radyo Kamalindig, the team paid a courtesy visit to Municipal Mayor of Buenavista, Hon. Nancy C. Madrigal wherein pressing concerns and status of the radio station’s operations were briefly discussed. Afterwards, the monitoring team visited the radio station, assisted by Community Radio Council (CRC) Secretary Majalalel Israel, CRC member Jowel Opiz and part time DJ Mark Anthony Nevisa. It was notable that there are part-time DJs compensated by the LGU with P75.00 per hour daily as anchors. Further, NNC MIMAROPA suggests Radyo Kamalindig DZNS 94.1 MHz to convene CRC members the soonest to present the monitoring feedback and discuss strategies to further improve radio operations, conduct a signal mapping for ease tracking where signal is strongest, invite LGU and non-LGU partners to serve as radio announcers to share relevant information and see real situation of the station and finally, PNAO Rubi Apiag to monitor the station and assist in revising the program schedule.
Afterwards, the team had an opportunity to conduct a courtesy visit to Governor Prestibero J. Velasco Jr. The team highlighted the Marinduque has the lowest prevalence rates of malnutrition regionwide. As such, they were commended for their initiatives of providing nutribun to all identified underweight children in the province.
For day 2 of the activity, a Tutok Kainan Coordination Meeting with DNPCs, Municipal Nutrition Action Officers (MNAOs), Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization (ARBO) Bahi Agricultural and Fisheries Association (BAFA) representatives, and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) representative was held at the Provincial Nutrition Office. PFNP Loyola presented the templates and status of submission of documents of municipalities and ARBO. To date, all six (6) municipalities continuously update the master list of beneficiaries as they have overaged already. Municipalities are expected to submit duly accomplished informed consent forms prior to implementation phase.
With the gasoline price hike experienced, Chairman Wilfredo Nazareno of BAFA expressed that the prices of commodities are constantly fluctuating. Prices of pork are escalating as well as an outcome of swine influenza in pigs. All MNAOs, DNPCs, and BAFA, and DAR representatives hope for an early implementation of Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program in the entire province of Marinduque as beneficiaries continue to overage. The 196 select beneficiaries are expected to have an improved nutritional status and greater food and nutrient intakes.
Written by: PNFP Nichole Loyola
