Cotabato City. The Social Development Committee of BARMM conducted its 2nd regular meeting presided by Minister Raissa H. Jajurie on May 25, 2022 at BPDA Conference Hall, Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City.

One of the highlights of the meeting is the presentation of Dr. Kadil M. Sinolinding Jr., of National Nutrition Council BARMM, on the importance of Local Nutrition Committee: the need to create in every LGU of BARMM. He asked, "Why do LGU need to invest in Nutrition?", he explained by showing the recent results of Expanded National Nutrition Survey 2018 & 2019 conducted by DOST FNRI, featuring the severe stunting prevalence rate yet with promising decline in a span of 4 years at most: Maguindanao from 45.6% down to 39.9% , Basilan from 48. 1%  to 38.1% and Lanao Del Sur from 49.0% with a steep dive to 33.3%. However, this results are still high based in the World Health Organization Standard.

Chairperson Jajurie committed to respond on the intention of the RNC Secretariat requesting the SDCom to endorse and elevate the approved resolution of the Regional Nutrition Committee to the Bangsamoro Economic Development Council (BEDC) to enjoin the Local Chief Executives of BARMM to organize/reorganize/activate the Local Nutrition Committees at all levels since the provincial governors and independent cities are members of the BEDC.

NNC BARMM continue its efforts to consolidate, coordinate, and improve linkages through the leadership of the Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim and Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua among members of regional Nutrition committee in  strengthening the involvement of key ministries, development partners,  private sectors and other nutrition stakeholders in the region.

Author: NO II Maleja Daud Jaamil