The National Nutrition Council MIMAROPA held its first orientation meeting for the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Civil Society Network on 8 April 2022 via Zoom that was attended by Mr. Oscar E. Ricaflanca, Secretary General of Federation of Senior Citizen's Association of the Philippines (FSCAP) – Calapan City, Ms. Maria Milagros Quieng, Director of Palawan Aid International-Kabatangan View Schools, Inc. (PAI-KVS), Ms. Juvelyn V. Gumal-in, Executive Director of Pampamayanang Mangyan Ugnayan. Inc. (PMUI), Ms. Rowena V. Genetiano, Project Leader at PMUI, and Ms. Joanna J. Elideros-Cabangbang of Taw Kabui for a Child, Inc.
The national and regional nutrition situation was first presented by NO I Sean Frances Barredo. It was emphasized that malnutrition in its many faces needs to be taken seriously necessitating a holistic intervention approach. As reflected in the 2021 Operation Timbang Plus results, the under- and overnutrition in the MIMAROPA region is increasing at an alarming rate.
This discussion was followed by the presentation of PNFP Nichole Loyola on the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) wherein entry points were identified on where the civil society can act on contributing to the reduction of malnutrition in the region. It was highlighted that the implementation of PPAN 2017-2022 is also part of the Philippines’ commitment to the SUN Movement in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030.
The third agenda, SUN (3.0) Movement and roles of SUN Networks particularly the civil society, was then discussed by NO III Maria Camille Louise Chen. With the upgraded movement and strategy, it is expected to strengthen and sustain strong policy and advocacy for positive nutrition outcomes.
Towards the end of the meeting, the participants stated their commitment in improving the regional nutrition situation through active participation in the SUN (3.0) Movement. Executive Director Gumal-in of PMUI was selected by the group as the regional convenor of civil society network in the MIMAROPA.
Written by: NO I Sean Frances P. Barredo
